Where to get a security risk assessment in London?

Where can you get a professional security risk assessment in London?

You can arrange a physical security risk assessment in London through security firms such as Fahrenheit Security. These providers carry out on-site evaluations for a wide range of properties, from offices and warehouses to high street shops. This list is a strong starting point for anyone looking for a building security inspection in London or a trusted local premises security consultant.

What is a security risk assessment and do you need one?

Could someone walk into your building right now without being noticed? A delivery door left open on a quiet Friday afternoon could be all it takes. That kind of vulnerability is exactly what a security risk assessment is meant to uncover.

A physical security risk assessment is a structured site review that highlights weak points in your building's protection against unauthorised access, theft, or vandalism. It looks at access control systems, CCTV blind spots, alarm coverage issues, lighting deficiencies, emergency exit security, and any weak zones that are vulnerable to intrusion.

These assessments are often requested by business owners, property managers, or insurers, particularly after an incident, a change in the building layout, or when there is a need to meet compliance requirements. They are not exclusive to large or high-risk properties. Even a small shop in Hackney can benefit from a professional review.

Why getting a professional risk assessment matters in London

London presents unique challenges when it comes to physical security. High foot traffic, ageing buildings, and postcode-based crime variations all increase the risk.

Shops in Soho with glass frontages and no alarm system are easy targets. Office spaces in Camden that share entrances and remain empty over the weekend are vulnerable to unauthorised access.

Many older properties continue to rely on outdated setups. Common problems include poorly positioned cameras, unlit alleyways, and unsecured delivery zones. The variation in risk levels between boroughs is also significant. For example, Westminster and Tower Hamlets face different security concerns compared to Richmond or Barnet.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Metropolitan Police confirm that crime rates tend to be higher in areas with greater public access and pedestrian movement. Regular security assessments provide a practical way to understand and manage these threats.

What a typical risk assessment includes (and what it shouldn’t miss)

A well-structured security assessment typically includes several essential stages.

What happens during the process:

• A phone consultation is held to discuss your concerns.

• A full on-site building inspection is carried out to evaluate doors, access zones, surveillance coverage, alarm sensors, lighting levels, and signage.

• Your existing protocols, response measures, and documentation are reviewed.

• A detailed security audit checklist and written report are provided, including graded risk areas and recommendations.

Your report should contain:

• Photographs and simple site diagrams.

• A detailed list of vulnerabilities, such as “Rear fire exit lacks alarm sensor.”

• Risk categories that are clearly labelled (high, medium, low).

• A step-by-step improvement plan and an assessment summary document.

Weak assessments often leave out:

• Site-specific details and blind spot mapping.

• Visual evidence of existing threats.

• Practical recommendations based on your property’s layout and use.

What type of properties need a physical security risk assessment?

Most commercial properties in London would benefit from a risk assessment. Some sites, however, face higher levels of exposure and are more likely to experience incidents.

• Retail units: These are often exposed overnight and have high asset visibility with limited perimeter protection.

• Offices: This is especially true for shared spaces or those with multiple uncontrolled access points.

• Warehouses: These sites often include large boundaries, vehicle access zones, and visual blind spots.

• Mixed-use or multi-tenant sites: These properties require strict entry and exit control policies.

• Sites with lone workers: These raise the need for personal safety monitoring and fast emergency response protocols.

Whether you manage a café in Soho or a distribution centre in Dagenham, the types of risk vary. Security professionals often refer to CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles and RICS standards when structuring these assessments.

How to choose a trusted security risk assessment provider in London

Choosing a reputable provider ensures the risk assessment will be useful, thorough, and worth the investment. Use the following checklist to help narrow your options:

• Relevant experience: Ensure they have worked with buildings similar to yours.

• Local presence: Providers based in London understand borough-specific threats and respond quickly.

• Transparent pricing and clear communication: Avoid providers that cannot explain their process or who upsell services you do not need.

• On-site inspections only: Do not accept remote-only assessments.

Apply the SAFE method to guide your decision:

• Skilled

• Accredited

• Familiar with your property type

• Experienced with local building security inspections

What to expect: process, pricing and deliverables in London

Booking an assessment generally follows a clear process:

• Initial call: This helps clarify scope and building type.

• Site visit: These typically take 1 to 3 hours depending on the size and complexity of the premises.

• Report delivery: This usually takes 2 to 5 working days.

Estimated pricing:

• Small shops or single-office premises: £300–£500.

• Mid-sized commercial units or floor-level offices: £500–£1,000.

• Large or multi-site commercial properties: £1,000 and above.

Deliverables:

• A map of the premises that highlights security risks.

• A full list of vulnerabilities.

• A prioritised plan of actions to take.

• An optional follow-up call to go over results.

Questions to ask before booking a security risk assessment

Asking the right questions before booking helps ensure the provider you choose will deliver genuine value. Here are five questions worth asking:

1. Will the assessment include a complete on-site building inspection?

2. Are the assessors security subject matter experts?

3. What specific items and sections will the report include?

4. Have you worked with properties that are similar in type and scale to mine?

5. Do you offer support after delivering the report?

Asking these will help you avoid providers who use generic templates or offer low-effort evaluations.

How Fahrenheit Security approaches risk assessments

Fahrenheit Security offers clear, straightforward, and locally focused service. Their team is SIA licensed and they follow best practices when carrying out building security assessments.

Each inspection includes a full walkthrough of the site, identification of vulnerabilities, detailed risk grading, and recommendations that are both relevant and practical. Post-assessment support is available to help clients implement changes effectively.

Feedback often highlights their professionalism and clear communication:

“They gave us a clear plan and helped us understand which issues were urgent. No fluff, no sales pressure.”

Final checklist: are you ready to book your assessment?

Here’s a quick decision-making checklist:

1. Has there been a recent incident or suspicious behaviour near your site?

2. Have changes been made to the building layout, entrances, or access points?

3. Are there known gaps in surveillance or lighting around key areas?

4. Have staff or tenants reported concerns about safety or exit routes?

5. Was your last professional assessment more than two years ago?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s a good time to consider booking a full site security inspection. Fahrenheit Security can help you take the next step with clear, practical advice.