Approximately 2.4% of Australian households were broken into between 2018 and 2019. The statistics are worrying; therefore, some homeowners and estate management agencies have resorted to hiring security guards.  A well-protected neighbourhood increases homeowners' confidence and improves the market value of properties. Conducting property walkthroughs or patrols is the best way guards can deter burglars from striking and guarantee safety.  Strategic and well-coordinated patrolling allows security guards to cover each nook and cranny of a property or neighbourhood. This article highlights tips for conducting a security patrol.

Keep Patrol Intervals Random -- One key characteristic of an effective security patrol is unpredictability. Unlike in the past, burglars are growing smart and patient. They take time to study security patrol schedules and security guards' behaviour to establish a pattern. This makes it easy to identify loopholes in a security patrol, increasing the possibility of a successful break-in. However, randomizing a patrol schedule does not give burglars time to develop a solid break-in plan. For instance, security guards can vary their patrols in 10, 15, and 20-minute intervals on one day and change the sequence the following day.

Change Patrol Routes -- A residential neighbourhood has designated streets and paths which security guards can use during their patrols. However, if a burglar plans to vandalize a home, it is highly unlikely that they will use the designated routes. Burglars will be looking for routes that are rarely used for obvious reasons, such as avoiding the security guards. Therefore, you must think like a burglar and identify all the possible paths they can take advantage of. Once you have mapped out vulnerable routes, conduct random checks. Taking different routes every time you are patrolling vulnerable areas makes it difficult for burglars to track your movement.

Wear Comfortable Attire -- Security companies have different attire for their guards for easy identification by clients and intruders. The security attire should be functional and comfortable to enhance the effectiveness of security patrols. For instance, a security guard who is supposed to patrol a very large neighbourhood should have comfortable shoes. If the shoes are too tight, security personnel might rush through their patrols and miss critical loopholes. If guards do not have warm attire, they might decide to cut short their midnight patrol. Comfortable security attire makes it easy to conduct effective security walkthroughs, ensuring safety in a neighbourhood. The same applies to security accessories, such as cuffs, firearms and a radio.