Securing your place is more vital than ever. While traditional security methods work well, a time-tested solution is gaining newfound strength: K9 security services.

Choose security that stands apart in diligence and efficiency. At Stok K9 Security Services, we’re not just a regular security provider; we’re among the UK’s fastest, backed by rigorous standards and expertise. Every security dog and handler in our team receives top-notch, industry-leading training, ensuring you’re protected by the very best. Beyond that, our adherence to critical UK legislations and recognition from premier professional standards institutions speak volumes about our commitment to unparalleled service.

6 Benefits of using K9 security dogs

Security dogs represent a unique blend of nature’s keen senses and man’s training expertise. Trained meticulously by elite canine professionals, these dogs become an invaluable asset in the security landscape. Teamed up with adept security personnel, they form a robust front, ensuring safety is never compromised. This powerful duo not only offers a comprehensive solution to escalating security challenges but also does so in a cost-effective manner, making it a win-win for those seeking both quality and affordability. So, what truly sets K9 security apart? Let’s delve into the key reasons why employing K9 security stands out as a formidable choice.

Strong block to crime

Just having a K9 security team around can stop would-be criminals. These trained dogs make people think twice about causing trouble. If they know a K9 team is nearby, they’re less likely to try anything naughty.

Amazing senses

Dogs have sharp senses, especially in smelling and hearing. They can sense danger even if we can’t see it or if cameras miss it. This early alert gives you extra time to act against possible threats.

Top-notch training for staff

K9 security isn’t just about dogs; it’s also about the experts who handle them. These people are trained hard to team up with their K9 pals. They make a strong team ready to handle any security problem.

Fewer guards needed

One trained security dog can watch a big area. This means you might need fewer human guards. This saves money and also works well because a dog’s sharp senses can spot problems quickly and clearly.

Good for your pocket

Using a K9 security team can save money compared to hiring lots of human guards. It’s a clever choice that not only cuts costs but might even lower insurance fees with this extra protection layer.

True loyalty

People trust security dogs because of their loyalty to their trainers. Having them around makes people feel safe but also tells intruders not to mess around. These dogs are both friendly and top security guards.

How K9 security teams help keep your place safe

Finding explosives and drugs: Trained to sniff out dangerous items to keep your place safe.

Walking around the borders: They can walk around the edges of your place, stopping intruders and spotting risks.

Looking for unwanted guests: They search vast areas fast for anyone who shouldn’t be there.

Guarding events: They’re great for keeping people safe at things like concerts or sports events.

In short, K9 security teams offer many ways to keep your place safe. Their strong effect and good price mean they’re a top choice for businesses big and small. When you pick K9 dog security, you’re not just getting a guard dog but a top-trained security buddy set on keeping your things safe.

Experience the unmatched benefits of canine protection with Stok K9 Security Services. With our security dogs’ heightened senses, covering up to 300m, and the powerful combination of dog and handler, you get security coverage equivalent to 3 static guards, but at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, our range of elite breeds like giant schnauzers, Dobermans, and pincers ensures that intruders think twice. Trust in a security solution that not only safeguards your premises but also offers tremendous value for money. Choose Stok K9 Security Services.

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The Ubiquity of Crime Across Industries

Every industry faces crime. Financial businesses often deal with fraud, the retail world battles shoplifting, and digital companies face clever malware. The construction sector isn’t free from these troubles. There are certain crime trends especially seen in this industry. We, at Stok K9 Security Services, aim to understand these trends deeply.

A Glimpse at Crime Trends Over The Past Century

In the UK, how crime looks and feels has evolved over the past hundred years. A big reason is the growth in technology available to criminals. For some perspective, during the 1960s, each year had about one million crimes. But, by the 1980s, this number had jumped to 3.5 million crimes every year. It’s important to say that the way people report crimes and how they are recorded might have influenced these numbers. But, one thing is clear: crime rates have been going up.

The Construction Sector: A Prime Target

The construction sector has always been attractive to criminals. Why? Because it offers many chances for wrongdoing. Right now, certain crime trends are more popular in this sector. And, in recent years, more people have been asking for construction site security services than ever before.

Common Crimes in the Construction Sector

Theft and Vandalism

Theft is a big issue in the construction industry. For years, criminals have seen construction sites as treasure troves. Why? Because these sites have lots of valuable things, like machines and materials, which can be sold for a good amount of money. People believe that thefts from UK construction sites add up to a huge £800 million every year. Rising costs of machines and the growing price of metal, combined with not many stolen items being returned, make this problem even bigger.

Vandalism, on the other hand, might not cost as much as theft, but it’s still a pain. A study in 2016 by the Chartered Institute Of Building (CIOB) revealed that 91% of the companies they asked had faced some kind of vandalism.

Assault and Intimidation

It’s sad, but construction workers often feel threatened or even get attacked by people who shouldn’t be on the site. Especially when there’s no security around. As thieves get bolder, it’s really important to have some kind of security to keep them away. We believe having guards, like dog handlers, can be a good idea. Because if you stop intruders from entering, there’s no chance for things to turn violent.

The Hidden Crimes in Construction

Organised Crime and Its Effects

Sadly, organised crime in the construction world has gone up lately. One big issue is illegal trafficking. Why is the construction industry a target? It’s seen as a safe bet for criminals. There’s a rise in fake construction skills cards, and some groups might be earning up to £60,000 a week from sneaky construction deals. In 2018, a study showed that half of the migrant workers in construction didn’t have proper contracts or the right skills to be safe at work.

So, how can security help with this? It’s all about being clear and stopping these shady actions. By hiring a trusted security company, like ours, these dodgy deals can be kept out.

Cybercrime in Construction

You might think cybercrimes are just for techy businesses, but construction is seeing more and more of them too. Building projects have lots of people working together and trust is super important. They need to share information safely and quickly. If someone hacks this info, not only can it slow down the work, but it also ruins trust. Attacks on computers, like phishing, ransomware, and viruses, are becoming more common in construction.

While construction sites usually focus on having guards, dogs, and cameras, they should also think about their online safety. It’s good news that more and more construction companies are spending money to stay safe online.

Need Help with Security?

After the challenges of this past year, keeping construction sites safe is top priority. If you want to learn about how we can help keep your site safe, call us! You can reach Stok K9 Security Services at 0800 002 5761 or email us at info@stokk9services.com.

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There’s no denying the benefits of utilising security guards in the protection of an asset. You need only take a look at the impact that any kind of uniformed guard has on us, psychologically, to see that it’s worth it. Whether you like to admit it or not, we all experience a slight tightening up – and it might barely be perceptible – when we walk past a guard in uniform, even when we’ve done nothing wrong!

But there’s a vast difference in the quality of guard provision out there, however – a difference that most people aren’t aware of in the slightest. To most people, a guard is a guard, and that’s that. That’s why here at Stok K9 Security Services, who provide security guards in London, wanted to look at not just the importance, but the necessity, of SIA-approval in the world of protection.

What Is The SIA?

First and foremost, let’s look at what the SIA exactly is. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the UK’s governmental body in charge of regulating the private security industry, nationwide. Their overall vision is to raise standards within the private security measure. This commitment has translated into thorough examinations and training courses for any guard wishing to gain their license, resulting in more proficient and highly-qualified security guards as a result. Everyone benefits, then, from utilising SIA-licensed guards – apart from would-be criminals, of course, but we think we can live with that…

It’s The Law!

If you want to be completely above board with your project’s security, then you’re going to have to use SIA-licensed guards because simply put, you have to. Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, it’s illegal to undertake security guard work (such as patrolling and theft prevention) without an SIA license (barring certain exemptions). Now, of course, you could opt for a less reputable security service, a firm who, in return for their lack of standards offer a cheaper service, but do you really want to commit a crime in the very process of trying to prevent one? And all to save a few pennies? In the security industry, if there’s one thing you want to avoid it’s cutting corners. We know who we’d use if we were you… 

Versatility

One of the main benefits in using SIA licensed security guards in London is that it enables you a much more comprehensive security provision. What do we mean by this? Well, take a construction site, for instance. The construction industry is one that requires a complex and varied security framework. Having an SIA-license means that guards can legally carry out a variety of on-site procedures, including manned guarding, mobile guarding, gate supervision, cash and valuables in transit, vehicle immobilisation and CCTV supervision. In other words, if you want a team of security guards that offers a truly wide-ranging and secure service, and who more importantly are legally compliant, then it’s imperative that you use guards with SIA licenses as an absolute minimum.

Our Own Security Guards In London

Our guards are not only SIA licensed, but screened in accordance with BS785 vetting standards, as well. This means our guards have an extensive understanding of industry regulation, best practice and, arguably more importantly than anything else, completely and utterly trustworthy. If you’re going to be placing high-value assets (whatever form that might take) in the hands of an external company, you want to make sure you can trust them. These licenses and standards are a watertight guarantee of exactly that.

Which Sectors Most Need Manned Security?

Construction

Whilst security is unquestionably important throughout every sector, there are certain sectors for whom it’s more important than others. The construction sector is one such area. In fact, in a report by leading insurer Allianz Insurance plc found that plant theft claims rose steadily in the last 10 years (from 428 instances to 730 instances). It’s unsurprising when you consider the basket-value of plant machinery, and one of the most widely accepted means of reducing these theft instances is by having some form of security presence, preferably in the form of manned guarding. In recent times, it’s not just thefts that have increased on construction sites, with a proliferation in the number of crane climbers and trespassers, as well.

Please read: HOW CONSTRUCTION SECURITY HELPS TO PREVENT METAL THEFT IN THE INDUSTRY

Retail

Where there are nice things, there’ll be nasty activities. It might be a simplistic way of looking at it, but for the most part it rings true, and the retail sector is a good example of it. Looking at statistics from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) from 2018, they found that a total of 41,000 violent incidents were reported in retail settings. The same consortium found that retailers’ perception and attitude towards the police’s response to retail crime was (generally) poor. There’s no question that the use of private manned guarding could drastically reduce these figures. Arguably, the cost of utilising a firm such as ours would be minimal in relation to the loss over the course of a year from shoplifted stock, for instance.

Contact Stok K9 Security Services

By taking a gamble and using non-SIA licensed guards for your security measures, you arguably place yourself at just as much risk as you would from not using any guards, whatsoever. So, if you’d like to find out more about our security guards in London, then get in touch! Contact Stok K9 Security Services today on 0800 002 5761 or by emailing us at info@stokk9services.com.

 

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Summer is approaching, and it’s time for a well-deserved holiday. When you leave your house, it’s crucial to ensure the security of your property. Implementing preventive measures such as CCTV protection and alarm systems will provide you with peace of mind. Read on to discover essential security tips to safeguard your house while you’re away enjoying your vacation.

Find more about Residential Security

1. Install a Reliable Home Security System

Investing in a reliable home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your property. CCTV monitoring, connected via the internet, sends real-time images from your cameras to security personnel. This system includes motion sensors, surveillance cameras, and door and window sensors. The presence of CCTV cameras will deter potential burglars and allow you to keep an eye on your house even when you’re away.

2. Use Security Dogs

Security dogs can be very useful in property safety and burglary prevention. They will prevent intruders from being tempted to enter your home. Displaying a sign indicating the presence of a dangerous dog can be even more effective.

3. Reinforce Doors and Windows

Before going out for summer holidays, ensure that all weak spots like doors and windows are properly secured. Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors to reinforce those weak points. Additionally, consider adding a security film or laminated glass inside large windows or glass spaces to make them more resistant to break-ins. Always double-check that all exterior doors and windows are properly locked before leaving your property.

4. Keep Your Vacation Plans Private

Avoid posting your vacation plans on social media while you’re away from home. Posting real-time images or videos can alert criminals that your property is unoccupied, making it an easy target. Save your vacation updates for after you return home to maintain the security of your property.

5. Create the Illusion of an Occupied House

To prevent burglary or occupation during your holiday, create the illusion that your property is inhabited. Ask a trusted person to collect your mail and move the curtains or blinds from time to time. Use timers to automatically turn on devices or lights, and make sure any packages are delivered during your absence. This will help protect your home from potential intruders.

6. Inform Trusted Neighbors, Family Members, or Friends

Informing trusted individuals such as neighbors, family members, or friends about your absence is crucial for securing your house. Provide them with your contact information if they don’t already have it, and ask them to keep an eye on your home and report any suspicious activity. Share your exact location and emergency contact details to ensure prompt communication in case of any problems.

7. Secure Outdoor Spaces

Don’t forget to secure outdoor spaces like the garage, garden, or outbuildings. Use overgrown bushes or trees to cover these areas from potential intruders. Employ security measures such as motion-activated outdoor lights, secure gates, and locks on garages and sheds to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Avoid Hiding Spare Keys Outside

Leaving spare keys outside your house is an obvious security risk. Burglars know common hiding spots and can quickly access your property if they find the keys. Instead, leave spare keys with someone you trust or grant access to the inside of your home to a reliable person while you’re on holiday.

Protecting your property during summer holidays is crucial for ensuring your peace of mind while you’re away. Implementing security tips such as CCTV cameras, reinforced doors and windows, a reliable home security system, and creating the illusion of an occupied house will reduce the risk of burglaries or intrusions during your vacation.

When it comes to enhancing the security of your home during the summer holidays, Stok-k9 provides professional services that can make a significant difference. With their trained and vigilant security dogs, Stok-k9 offers an added layer of protection to deter potential intruders and ensure the safety of your property. The presence of these highly skilled canines acts as a powerful deterrent, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy your vacation. Stok-k9’s team can assess your specific security needs and customize their services to provide the highest level of protection for your home. By partnering with Stok-k9, you can enhance your home’s security and enjoy a worry-free holiday.

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K9 dogs are specially trained dogs that are used in various security and law enforcement operations. The term “K9” simply refers to the word “canine,” which is another word for dog. These dogs undergo extensive training to learn how to perform specific tasks, depending on their intended purpose. In the field of security, K9 dogs are often used as a means of detection or protection. They can be trained to sniff out explosives, drugs, or other prohibited items at airports and other high-security areas. Additionally, they can be trained to guard property or people by using their natural instincts and physical abilities.

What is K9 security

K9 Security, also known as Canine Security, is a type of security service that involves the use of trained dogs to provide protection and assistance in various settings. These dogs are specifically bred and trained to detect suspicious items, patrol premises or properties, and assist their handlers in apprehending criminals. K9 Security is widely used in law enforcement agencies, military operations, and private security firms.

Types of K9 services

K9 security refers to the use of specially trained dogs for various security purposes. There are several types of K9 security that can be utilized depending on the specific need. Here are some bullet points listing different types of K9 security.

• Patrol dogs for general security purposes, patrolling large areas, and providing a physical deterrent
• Detection dogs trained to detect specific scents such as drugs, explosives, or firearms
• Search and rescue dogs trained to locate missing persons or victims of disasters
• Specialized K9 units trained for military and police operations
• Tracking dogs trained to follow the scent trail of a person or animal
• Apprehension dogs trained to capture and hold suspects or intruders
• Explosive detection dogs trained to locate and alert handlers to the presence of explosives
• Arson dogs trained to detect accelerants used in the start or spread of a fire
• Cadaver dogs trained to locate human remains, often used in criminal investigations or disaster recovery efforts
• Therapy dogs used in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to provide comfort and support to patients, residents, and students.

Benefits of K9 security

K9 security has become increasingly popular in the UK, particularly in London. K9 security dogs are specially trained to provide a level of protection that cannot be matched by human guards or technology. They are used to detect explosives, drugs and other contraband, as well as providing a physical presence that can deter criminals.

One of the key benefits of K9 security is their ability to detect threats before they become a problem. The dogs are trained to identify suspicious behavior and respond accordingly, which can prevent incidents from escalating into more serious situations. They also have an incredible sense of smell, which enables them to detect even trace amounts of substances such as drugs or explosives.

Another advantage of K9 security is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of settings including airports, schools, hospitals and shopping centers. This makes them an ideal solution for businesses and organizations looking for effective security measures that can be tailored to their specific needs.

Overall, K9 security has proven to be an invaluable asset in protecting people and property throughout the UK. With their unique abilities and adaptability, it’s no wonder why they continue to be such a popular choice for businesses and individuals seeking peace of mind when it comes to safety and security.

If you wish to enquire about security dogs and handlers, contact K9 Security Services today. Call us 0800 002 5761 or send us an e-mail. Fast reply time guaranteed. 

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They’re the ultimate companions, padding at our sides through thick and thin, always ready with a gentle nuzzle or supportive lick when times are at their toughest. Dogs have long since been become the ultimate domestic pet (and we’re afraid to say that anybody who puts cats above them is simply wrong!) and there shows no sign of that trend slowing down anytime soon.

These four-legged friends also have a long history in a guarding context, however, k9 security goes back much further than you might have initially thought! The team here at Stok K9 Security Services, who provide fully vetted and experienced canine security services, wanted to look at the history of the guard dog in a little more detail!

Original canine security – The first guard dogs

When exactly were the first guard dogs used, then? Well, you have to go back to around the time of the Ancient Mesopotamians – that’s Iraq to you and me. During roughly the period between 2000 and 1400 BCE, there’s evidence that dogs were used to guard livestock against wolves as well as being depicted in art as protecting their owners’ homes.

If you want to look at when dogs were actually first domesticated in any way, then you have to go back even further. The first evidence of canine domestication is thought to possibly date back even as far as 40,000 years ago when dogs first evolved from wolves, originally loitering around the edge of hunter-gatherer camps for leftover food! 

You don’t have to look much further around the antiquity until you find another instance of dogs being used in a protective context; may we present to you – Cerberus, the three-headed demon dog protecting the gates of the underworld so that the dead wouldn’t escape. Morbid? Perhaps. Secure? Absolutely! We’re telling you, canine security works and it works well.

Modern canine security

Like a good deal of security dog handling companies, we use German Shepherds, Belgium Malinois, Rottweilers, Dobermans and Dutch Herders here at Stok K9 Security Services. Why, though, has this breed, in particular, become such a popular choice of guard dog, worldwide? Primarily, it’s down to their character traits as a breed. For one thing, these dogs are amongst the most protective dog breeds out there and easily trained, making them ideal for training quickly, effectively and to a very high standard. What’s more, they’ve got a heck of a bark to go with that intellect. When you finally pair that with their impressive physique (which features both strength and agility) you begin to see why they make such an attractive guard dog breed.

Why canine?

Canine security teams are known to provide a stronger deterrent than other conventional security alternatives. The additional presence of the dog, alone, offers an intimidating sight to would-be-criminals. If there are dog handlers about, they’re far less likely to chance their arm than they otherwise would be.

A bark louder than its bite…

Of course, canine security isn’t always about hulking great mastiffs or hyper-alert Alsatians, though we’d be lying if we said it wasn’t a lot of the time! Sometimes, though, it’s more about having a security presence that can be loud when it needs to be. Unlike guard dogs which are used as much for their physical presence as they are anything else, many watchdogs are actually smaller breeds, used for their highly vocal character. These breeds include:

• Miniature Schnauzers

• West Highland Terriers (Westies)

• Scottish Terriers (Scotties)

What to look for in professional dog handlers

When you’re on the search for professional canine security services, there are a few key things you should be looking for – some tangible, and some less so. Firstly, you’ll want to make sure that all the dog handling teams operate completely in line with The Guard Dogs Act 1975 and The Dangerous Dog Act 1991. Moreover, all dogs should clearly be highly trained. Our training, for instance, conforms to British Standards 8517-1, the UK’s security dog handling standard.

It’s also worth getting in touch with the firm, themselves, to see how they are with the dogs – to get a feel for them. Unless you get the sense that the handlers care for their companions almost as much as life itself, then we’d advise steering clear. The way the animals are treated should always, categorically, be the number one priority for a canine security firm; it certainly is for ours. 

Contact us for canine security services

In our eyes, there’ll never be a better companion to have at our sides than the humble hound. Intelligent, brave and loyal to a fault, dogs truly are man’s best friend. So, if you’d like to find out more about our canine security services, then get in touch! Contact Stok K9 Security Services today on 0800 002 5761 or by emailing us at info@stokk9services.com.

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Security measures are a hugely important part of any event. All events are faced with safety challenges, no matter how big, or small, and a plan should always be in place to ensure everything runs smoothly. Security guards and technology such as CCTV will always be required, but more and more people are turning to security dogs for many reasons. Adding trained dogs to your security team can act as a deterrent. They are also a more efficient choice over other options.

Security dogs are a fail-safe option. Technology can fail, and human error is always a risk; dogs are loyal, and their strong senses mean they can spot threats that humans aren’t capable of. Alongside this, dogs provide exceptional companionship, just being around animals can improve our health and mood. Happy colleagues create a fantastic workforce!

So, what exactly do security dogs have to offer? 

 

Effective

One of the most impressive traits of security dogs is their strong senses. Their sense of smell is far superior to ours, meaning they can spot things that a security guard could potentially miss. Because of this, they are a popular choice of security for events where illegal substances are a problem. Need to monitor drugs entering a festival? Security dogs are the answer.

Not only this, simply having dogs alongside guards is a deterrent. Trained security dogs are likely to outrun even the fittest people. Just the presence of a dog is likely to stop most criminals in their path.

 

Selfless

Security dogs are fully trained to deal with all kinds of situations. Whether it be maintaining a crowd or chasing a criminal, they’ll remain in work mode in all scenarios. Dogs are naturally curious and, once trained, will always keep up their guard no matter what. Trained dogs are loyal. They will not hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to protect their owners from a criminal. In situations where a guard could be taken over by fear, a security dog will not stand back.

 

Intelligent

Dogs can pick up on body language and assess a situation in ways that a human could miss. Trained security dogs can use this skill to the highest standard. An example of this could be pointing out a criminal in a line-up. Trained dogs can use their solid senses and pick up on nervous body language to do this. They can tell when something isn’t right, thanks to their high intelligence.

 

Loyal

We’ve all heard the saying ‘man’s best friend’, and it really is no surprise; dogs are incredibly loyal, especially towards their owner. With loyalty, protection comes hand-in-hand, especially for trained dogs.

 

This works both ways. Having a security dog acts as motivation for guards. Serving as extra protection from criminals means guards feel more confident doing their job. Not only this, but being around animals is proven to improve our mood and reduce stress, two significant factors when working in such a demanding job. 

I’m sure you will agree that dogs are a fantastic addition to any security team. Acting as a deterrent, providing safety for guards and reducing stress in the workplace, you really will not regret the decision to use security dogs. One last thing to think about; adding dogs to your team is cheaper than hiring more guards or purchased state of the art technology. You can’t go wrong, if you are wanting to improve security, dogs are the perfect candidate.

If you wish to enquire about security dogs and handlers, contact K9 Security Services today. Call us 0800 002 5761 or send us an e-mail. Fast reply time guaranteed.