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Security Companies in Surrey BC: 2026 Decision Guide for Property Managers

security companies in surrey bc

Written by Rajan Bassi, Director, On Guard Security Ltd. — 12 years serving BC businesses

Your warehouse supervisor calls at 2 a.m. — someone cut through the fence at your Newton logistics yard. By the time RCMP arrives, the thieves are gone with $40,000 in copper wire. You find yourself wondering: would a security company have prevented this?

If you’re evaluating security companies in Surrey BC, you’re making a decision that affects your property, your tenants, and your liability exposure. This guide covers licensing requirements, realistic cost expectations, service options, and what separates a dependable local provider from a box-checking national chain.

By the numbers: Surrey’s population reached 731,630 in 2025, with over 1,000 new residents arriving monthly. Property crimes account for 65% of all reported incidents, creating sustained demand for professional security services (City of Surrey / Crime Canada).

Key Takeaways

  • Verify BC licensing first — every guard must hold a valid security worker licence from the Registrar of Security Services
  • Budget $21–$28/hour for uniformed guards in Surrey; mobile patrol costs less per site when multiple properties share routes
  • Local providers respond faster — a Surrey-based dispatch centre cuts travel time compared to Vancouver or Burnaby headquarters
  • Match services to risk — a condo lobby needs concierge training, a construction site needs perimeter patrol and fire watch capability

Contents

What Should You Look for in a Surrey Security Company?

A qualified security company in Surrey should demonstrate three things immediately: Ministry of Justice licensing for all personnel, WorkSafeBC compliance documentation, and a physical presence in the Lower Mainland that enables rapid response. Without these, you’re taking on legal and operational risk.

Start by asking how the company trains its guards. BC requires a minimum 40-hour Basic Security Training course, but reputable providers go further. At On Guard Security, every new hire completes one week of one-on-one training with a senior security officer before their first solo shift. That’s in addition to the provincial requirement — not instead of it.

Next, ask about supervision and reporting. You want nightly incident logs, GPS-verified patrol routes, and a dedicated account manager you can actually reach. If the sales rep can’t name who supervises overnight shifts, that’s a red flag.

Finally, check insurance. A commercial general liability policy of at least $2 million is standard. Ask for a certificate of insurance before signing any contract — legitimate companies produce this within 24 hours.

Key insight: Emergency response times in Surrey improved from 11.2 minutes under RCMP to 8.7 minutes under Surrey Police Service as of late 2025. A security company that can respond in under 15 minutes fills the gap before police arrive.

How Much Do Security Guards Cost in Surrey?

The average security guard wage in Surrey is $21.16 per hour as of June 2026, according to Indeed Canada. After the security company adds overhead, insurance, supervision, and margin, expect to pay between $24 and $32 per hour for a uniformed guard on your property.

Costs vary by service type. Static guards posted at a single entrance cost more per hour than mobile patrol security, where one vehicle covers multiple sites on a route. A typical mobile patrol contract runs $15–$22 per check, with three to six visits per night.

For a deeper breakdown, see our security guard cost guide, which covers 24/7 coverage, event security, and fire watch pricing specific to BC.

Service Type Typical Hourly/Per-Visit Cost Best For
Static guard (uniformed) $24–$32/hour Building lobbies, gated entrances
Mobile patrol $15–$22/check Parking lots, multi-site portfolios
Construction site security $26–$34/hour Active job sites with equipment
Fire watch $28–$38/hour Hot work, sprinkler outages
Event security $28–$40/hour Concerts, weddings, corporate events

Annual salaries for guards in Surrey range from $34,000 to $65,000 depending on experience and specialization. Supervisors and loss prevention specialists earn at the higher end.

Which Surrey Neighbourhoods Need the Most Coverage?

Newton records Surrey’s highest crime rate at approximately 12,500 incidents per 100,000 residents as of 2025. Whalley/City Centre, Guildford, and Fleetwood follow, making these areas where commercial and strata properties see the greatest demand for professional security presence.

Surrey’s Crime Severity Index was 89.2 in 2025, compared to the national average of 75.3. That gap doesn’t mean the city is unsafe — it means property managers and business owners here face higher baseline risk and benefit more from proactive security measures.

If your property is in Newton, Whalley, or near the SkyTrain corridor, consider a combination of static guards and mobile patrols. Residential security services are particularly valuable for strata councils dealing with repeated break-ins or package theft.

For industrial properties in the Port Kells or Campbell Heights areas, construction site security and after-hours patrols address equipment theft — the most common loss category for Fraser Valley contractors.

What Licences Should a BC Security Company Have?

Every security guard in BC must hold a valid security worker licence issued by the Registrar of Security Services under the Ministry of Justice. The company itself must hold a security business licence. Operating without these is illegal and voids any insurance coverage you might expect.

To obtain a licence, guards must be at least 19 years old, complete the 40-hour BC Basic Security Training course, pass a criminal record check, and pay the licensing fee — $120 for one year, $180 for two years, or $240 for three years.

When you hire a security company, ask to see their business licence number and request confirmation that all assigned guards are currently licensed. You can verify individual licences through the security licence bc registry maintained by the province.

Beyond provincial licensing, look for WorkSafeBC compliance. If a guard is injured on your property and the security company lacks proper coverage, you could face liability claims. Ask for a clearance letter before signing any contract.

Bottom line: Never hire a security provider who can’t immediately produce their business licence, proof of insurance, and WorkSafeBC clearance. These documents take minutes to share if they exist.

What Services Do Surrey Security Companies Offer?

Most Surrey security companies offer a core set of services: static guards, mobile patrols, alarm response, and event security. The best providers also offer specialized services like fire watch, concierge security for condominiums, and retail loss prevention — each requiring different training and skill sets.

Here’s what each service category typically includes:

Static security guards remain at a fixed post — a building entrance, parking garage, or warehouse gate. They log visitors, monitor CCTV, and serve as a visible deterrent. For details on security guard services, see our complete BC guide.

Mobile patrol covers multiple properties on a scheduled route. Guards conduct exterior checks, verify locks, and report hazards. This is cost-effective for property managers with several sites.

Concierge security blends front-desk hospitality with security awareness — ideal for high-rise condos and corporate lobbies. Our concierge security guide explains when this hybrid role makes sense.

Fire watch is required during sprinkler shutdowns, hot work, or when fire alarm systems are offline. Guards patrol designated zones and maintain communication with the fire department. This service must comply with BC Fire Code requirements.

Retail loss prevention focuses on shoplifting deterrence, apprehension protocols, and shrinkage reduction. For stores experiencing inventory loss, retail loss prevention officers provide a direct ROI through recovered merchandise.

Service Key Deliverables Common Clients
Static guards Access control, visitor logs, CCTV monitoring Office buildings, warehouses
Mobile patrol Scheduled site checks, GPS-verified routes Property managers, parking lots
Concierge security Front desk, package handling, resident assistance Condominiums, corporate lobbies
Fire watch Zone patrols, fire code compliance, FD liaison Construction sites, renovations
Loss prevention Theft deterrence, apprehension, reports Retail stores, shopping centres

How Do You Compare Local vs National Security Providers?

National security chains offer brand recognition and standardized processes, but local Surrey-based companies typically deliver faster response times, more flexible contracts, and direct access to management. For most commercial and residential properties in Surrey, a local provider with 10+ years of experience outperforms a distant call centre.

Here’s what to weigh:

Response time: A company headquartered in Surrey can deploy a supervisor or backup guard in 30 minutes or less. A national chain dispatching from Vancouver or Burnaby adds transit time — sometimes an hour or more during rush hour.

Account management: With a local provider, you often work directly with the owner or operations manager. At a national firm, you’re assigned an account rep who may oversee 50+ clients and rotate annually.

Contract flexibility: Local companies are more willing to adjust schedules, add ad-hoc coverage, or scale down during slow months. National contracts tend to be rigid and penalty-heavy.

Training consistency: A smaller company can ensure every guard receives the same hands-on training. Large chains rely on standardized videos and may assign undertrained staff to fill shifts.

On Guard Security is locally owned and operated in Surrey with over 10 years of experience. We’re not a faceless national chain — when you call 778-990-5070, you reach our team directly. Our guards complete mandatory one-on-one training before their first shift, and we maintain 24/7 dispatch for rapid response anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a security company is licensed in BC?
Ask for their security business licence number issued by the Registrar of Security Services. You can verify the company and individual guards through the Ministry of Justice registry. Any legitimate company provides this information within 24 hours.
What’s the difference between a security guard and a loss prevention officer?
A loss prevention officer specializes in retail theft prevention, inventory control, and apprehension procedures. A general security guard handles broader duties like access control and patrol. Both require the same provincial licence, but loss prevention demands additional retail-specific training.
Can security guards detain someone in Surrey?
Security guards can make a citizen’s arrest under Section 494 of the Criminal Code if they witness an indictable offence. They must use only reasonable force and contact police immediately. Guards are not peace officers and cannot conduct searches without consent.
How quickly can a security company start service?
Most established providers begin service within 48 to 72 hours for standard guard placements. Fire watch or emergency coverage can often start same-day. Complex contracts requiring site assessments and custom training may take one to two weeks.
Do Surrey security companies provide armed guards?
Some companies offer armed guard services requiring additional licensing beyond the standard security worker licence. Armed guards are rarely necessary for commercial or residential properties in BC and involve significant liability considerations.
What should I include in a security guard contract?
Your contract should specify shift hours, duties, reporting requirements, insurance minimums, termination notice periods, and rate lock provisions. Request a sample incident report and patrol log before signing to verify documentation standards.

Choosing the Right Security Partner for Your Surrey Property

Surrey’s growth shows no signs of slowing — the city is projected to surpass Vancouver’s population by 2038. That growth brings opportunity, but it also brings security challenges that require professional attention.

Whether you manage a Guildford shopping plaza, a Newton apartment complex, or a Campbell Heights warehouse, the right security company reduces risk, deters crime, and gives you documented coverage that protects your liability position.

On Guard Security has served Surrey and the Lower Mainland for over 10 years. Our guards are JIBC-licensed, WorkSafeBC compliant, and trained in-house by senior officers — not online videos. We offer static guards, mobile patrol security, fire watch, concierge services, and retail loss prevention.

Call 778-990-5070 or email info@onguardsecurityltd.ca to schedule a free site assessment. We’ll walk your property, identify vulnerabilities, and provide a detailed proposal within 48 hours — no obligation, no pressure.

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Ways That Video Surveillance Can Protect and Improve Your Business

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Video surveillance technology enables businesses and security establishments to monitor and identify any suspicious or abnormal activities. Recent technological advancements have improved video surveillance and makes them a must-have for every business. Customary CCTV installations were perfect for security reasons. However, advanced video surveillance units can help to increase business efficiency and productivity. Here are the benefits of a video surveillance system in your business.

Prevent loss of assets

A video surveillance security system is a good deterrent to external and internal theft. It can help you monitor the interiors and exteriors of your business premises in a more convenient and less costly manner. This system will stop those who want to steal for fear of being caught on camera and it can also provide evidence that can help the police to identify the culprits.

Increases productivity

Managers and supervisors can use video images in monitoring employee productivity and assess areas where security need to improve. Surveillance systems can verify that shifts start and end on time and ensure that break times are also observed. When your employees know that they are being watched, they will more cautious and productive.

Monitor customer transactions

With video surveillance security system, retail establishments can monitor customer activities within their stores. This helps them to catch shoplifters or any suspicious or unauthorized activities. Furthermore, video surveillance records can help in resolving customer disputes.

Monitor your business remotely

With IP-based video surveillance systems, business owners can monitor their businesses while they are away. With remote surveillance, they can see whatever is happening in the business using their smartphones, laptops, or tablets.

Apart from security, video surveillance can prove useful in different areas like insurance, marketing, and boosting employee productivity. With a well-implemented surveillance system, business owners can benefit immensely and improve their bottom line. A reputable mall security guard company can help you install surveillance systems in different areas of your organization.

 

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Parking enforcement 101

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Big establishments like malls and shopping complexes usually have big parking spaces because of the high number of visitors every passing moment. To maintain order at the parking lots, it essential to have security guards man the parking spaces.

Why Parking Enforcement Services are Important

It would be utter chaos if vehicle owners were left to their own devices at the parking lot. Reasons, why parking enforcement is necessary are:

  • Criminals love loitering at the parking lot, preying on unlocked vehicles
  • Vehicle owners may have valuables in their cars, such as money and electronics
  • Vehicle occupants do get robbed at gunpoint
  • Drug trafficking and other illicit activities like prostitution are rife in unchecked parking spaces
Factors of Successful Parking Enforcement
Proper Signage

Proper signage helps inform the public of every parking area’s purpose and rules that apply for every section. “No parking” and “Permit parking only” are some popular signs at the mall. Access control equipment also helps, but signage must be present.

Fines

These are not a revenue resource but a deterrent measure. High fines will minimize cases of illegal parking, like parking in handicapped zones. Parking in loading zones should attract not a very punitive fine but an effective one.

Enforcement

This job is not for everyone. It takes an individual who enjoys working outdoors and is well trained, standing his/her ground in case of confrontations at the parking lot.

We have security guard companies in Vancouver that provide parking enforcement services. Their guards competent enough to ensure smooth operations at the parking lot.

 

 

 

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Stop Retail Loss | Hire Guards

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Theft and burglary are prevalent in retail stores. That is why retail business owners have to hire a team with the necessary skills to control theft and ensure their overall protection.

Causes of Retail Loss

The leading causes of retail losses are

  • Shoplifting
  • Inventory errors
  • Employee theft
  • Vendor fraud
  • Improper paperwork

Security personnel can help significantly reduce cases of theft and loss at the retail store

Why You Need Guards

Theft and shoplifting are serious issues which if left unaddressed, can bring down a business. It would help if you had guards in your store because;

  • Sometimes it’s not easy to apprehend shoplifters; guards are a deterrent measure.
  • Cases of theft will eventually tarnish the retail store’s image.
  • Large shopping areas are usually targets for terrorism
  • Superstores and malls experience very high foot traffic, with people always walking in and out.
How Guards Can Help You

Most security companies have loss prevention security services through trained guards. Guards can help prevent direct loss to your business. Other ways they may help are

  • Do investigations in case of theft or shoplifting
  • Arresting of shoplifters
  • Do prevention of loss training for the employees of the business
  • Offer prevention as well as resolution for retail loss
  • Identify subjects hurrying through the store.
  • Supervise supplier deliveries and ensure accounting for every inventory.

Installation of surveillance cameras and access control technology will also go along way in preventing theft. Security companies in Burnaby have trained personnel that understands the behavior of criminals. Having a guard is equal to significantly reducing retail loss business.

 

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Benefits of Hiring Private Security for Your Hotel

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Do you own a hotel or are you planning on buying one? The one thing that most people always consider when trying to find a hotel for their next vacation is security. No one would want to spend their vacation days in a hotel that isn’t secure. This means that if you decide to invest in a hotel, then you need to ensure that your hotel has a good and experienced security company on board. Below are some of the benefits of having hotel security:

  • One thing you need to know is that if you own a hotel, then you will need to hire a few people to help you in the day-to-day operations of the hotel. This means that these people will need to have official identification documents to prove that they are employees of your hotel. The reality is that you might not be able to memorize all their faces and that’s why you will need to a security company in place. The security company will not only provide loss prevention security services but also ensure that only authorised people access the facilities of the hotel.
  • The other thing about owning a hotel is that you can receive any type of guests. You can receive delegates or even celebrities. Most of these people like their privacy. This isn’t something you will be worried about if you hire any of the security companies in Burnaby. They will ensure that your guests aren’t bothered by strangers or any other person for that matter. Basically, they will be protecting the guests by ensuring that they enjoy their privacy.
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Important Roles That a Security Company Will Play at Your Next Event

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Events are a common occurrence and are held for different reasons. Sometimes, people forget that security guards around the event are part of making the whole event a success. The reality is that if your event doesn’t have security guards on board, then a lot of things could go wrong. You can avoid all this by ensuring you get an all-round private security company and this will give you a good reputation as an event organiser. In summary, after you have everything concerning your event sorted out, consider looking at the type of security company you will be bringing to the event. The security company you bring should be able to do the following:

  • One of the key reasons why you need security guard companies in Vancouver in your event is so that they can provide crowd management services. The event might be big and so you need them to ensure that people will be doing the right thing. They will also ensure that no one causes any commotion during the event. Other than that, they will also play an important role of ensuring that only the people eligible to attend the event get into the event. If you are hosting an event without security, you might bump into strangers and they might ruin the experience for your guests.
  • On the other hand, you need to understand that the people attending the event need to feel secure. Their belongings need to be safeguarded. Clearly, this means that you need an event security company that can offer parking enforcement services. The guards on duty should be able to advise the guests on where to park and also ensure that the vehicles aren’t vandalised at any given moment.
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Mistakes You Should Avoid When Hiring a Security Firm

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Proper security should be given top priority and attention at all times. The main reason for this is so that you can have a sense of serenity and peace of mind. When there is adequate security in place, you will not be worried about your property since you are guaranteed that everything is safe. This means that when hiring a security company, you need to be careful to find out how much experience they have. What do previous customers have to say about them? Are you assured that you will get the best services from them? The truth is most people don’t know what to look for when hiring a security firm and this is why they may end up ignoring some of the red flags. When you are scouting for a security firm, you need to be keen to avoid the following mistakes:

  • One key factor that many people ignore is the size of the security firm that you are hiring. There are many security firms and they differ in terms of size. The number of employees in a security firm determines the size of the security company. This simply means that if the company has few security guards, then it means they have limited capabilities. For instance, if you are looking for shopping malls security services, you will need to make certain that the security firm you are hiring has enough security guards to meet the needs at hand.
  • The other mistake you should avoid is assuming that all security companies offer the same type of services. Some security guard companies in Vancouver have specialised in mobile patrol security services. Basically, you need to have a look at what the company offers against what you need. Your needs should always be a priority when hiring a security guard company. It will be a waste of resources hiring a security company that isn’t meeting all your needs.

 

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Top Reasons Why You Should Only Deal with Experienced Security Firms

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Security is paramount in any part of the world. If you have plans of starting a business, then you need to make sure that the location of the business is secure for both the business and customers. Did you know that security also plays a major role in the growth of a business? A secure location will influence and attract more customers and this will eventually lead to more gains for your business. Adequate security in such situations includes parking lot security. A client wants their belongings to be safe when shopping at your store. If you are a business owner who wants to meet these needs, then you should hire security guards from an experienced security firm. This is so that you can enjoy the following benefits:

  • It is the dream of every business owner to have total trust in the security firm they hire to take care of their business entity. You can only enjoy this benefit if you hire an experienced security firm. They know the importance of trust when it comes to maintaining current clients and securing new ones. When there is mutual trust, you will get to receive the best loss prevention security services. This is simply because the security firm will make sure that your business premises are well-guarded at all times.
  • In addition, experienced security companies in Burnaby provide reliable security services. Every business owner wants reliability once they hire a security company. An experienced security firm knows the importance of this and that’s why they will always do everything possible to provide reliable services at all times. Basically, reliability communicates a lot of commitment between the security firm and its employees. This enables them to build a strong working relationship.

 

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Top 4 Security Issues That Manufacturing and Production Facilities Face

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Manufacturing and production facilities face significant security challenges because of great quantities of exposed goods, large equipment, and vast amounts of space that need to be secured. This is why industrial sites need to prepare for these security threats to guarantee a safe and secure place for employees, visitors, and customers. Here are the common security threats that most industrial sites face.

Theft

Most manufacturing and production facilities have so much square footage and this means that most staff will go unsupervised for hours. Additionally, the large space leaves many areas open to criminals who can sneak in and out of the property unnoticed. Furthermore, internal theft by employees can cause industries to incur losses amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. This is why these facilities need to hire industrial security services to ensure that any such incidents are prevented.

Injury on site

Industrial spaces are faced with increased risk of injury for both visitors and employees. This is mainly because of the heavy equipment, mechanical components, chemical substances, and large storage containers found in these facilities. By hiring professional security guard and a fire watch security services, you are guaranteed of safety 24/7.

Violence

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines industrial facility violence into four categories: anonymous, domestic violence, third party criminals, and authorized staff and visitors. Violence scenarios in industrial spaces are quite common, for instance coworker altercations, disgruntled employees, or phoned in bomb threats. Therefore, businesses need to be prepared to handle these scenarios when they occur. Having security services manning your industrial space means that you will have professionals to handle any form of violence to help keep your visitors and staff safe and secure.

Natural disasters

Most business owners do not think about natural disasters. However, they are still an ever-present risk for manufacturing and production facilities. Natural disasters like explosions, tornadoes, floods, and fires do exist and they will not spare your industrial complex. When you have the right fire watch security company working for you, you can ensure that any emergency situation will be handled by professionals.

Every industrial facility should prioritize their security. This can be achieved by implementing a simple plan with padlocks, fencing, hiring security officers, or an advanced plan with 24/7 security coverage with CCTV and mobile patrol or advanced access control. The best INDUSTRIAL SECURITY SERVICES company will help you to identify and implement a security plan that suits your risk levels and your budget.

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Reasons Why Retail Businesses Should Boost Their Security During the Holidays

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Retail crime is one of the major security problems facing small retailers and superstores, especially during the holiday season. Retailers face issues like internal theft, organized retail crime, fraud, and shoplifting owing to increased new inventory and more customers. This can have a significant effect on the business operations and profit margins of most retailers. Here are reasons why enhancing security measures during holidays is important.

More shoppers translate to an increased risk of theft

Most consumers enjoy the frenzy that comes with better and bigger deals that retailer offer during the holiday seasons. While this may increase profit margins for retailers, the increased number of shoppers increases risks like shoplifting. Retailers need to enhance their security by having visible supervisors on their sales floor, regularly reviewing their security camera surveillance videos, evaluating daily transactions, and validating any voided or deleted sales to help mitigate theft. The best security companies in Burnaby will help you improve the safety of your retail store.

Increased inventory creates weak points

During the holidays, retailers have to meet the high demands of their clients and guarantee timely delivery. Even though most smart businesses usually plan for this in advance, it is difficult to know what to expect in sales with every coming holiday. Without proper inventory management, retailers may create weak points that can be easily exploited. This is why businesses need to stay on top of their inventory count at all times and work with loss prevention security services to reduce internal theft and shrinkage.

Temporary workers can be a security threat

To deal with worker shortages during the holidays, most retailers will hire temporary employees. However, temporary workers are not as heavily invested in the retail business as the full-time workers. Their relatively lower position, lower compensation, and temporary nature may fuel inside theft among some retail workers. This is why retail stores need security guards services Burnaby to prevent in-house theft or organized crimes like shoplifting and robberies within their establishments.

For retailers, the holidays pose a major challenge with the increased inventory demands and higher numbers of shoppers. Businesses need to anticipate security threats and take preventive steps like hiring retail loss prevention services. This way, you can guarantee the safety of your employees and customers and deter thieves who are desperate to capitalize on the vulnerability and increased spending of consumers.