Canada’s national crime picture is not monolithic: while some headline indicators have eased year-over-year, other categories and local jurisdictions are showing worrying trends that matter to businesses. Statistics Canada reports that the national police-reported crime rate fell modestly to 5,672 incidents per 100,000 population in 2024 (a decline of about 4%), and the national Crime Severity Index also decreased. That calm at the macro level, however, masks real local volatility and concentrated problems such as spikes in hate crimes, shootings and property-targeted offences in areas such as the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which directly affect retail outlets, corporate campuses and events organizers.
Why a Visible, Professional Guard Matters More Than Ever
The presence of trained security personnel does more than “look professional.” Guards act as crime deterrents, rapid responders and frontline risk managers. For retail and hospitality outlets, uniformed guards lower the likelihood of shoplifting, hostile incidents and organized retail crime. For corporate properties, they provide controlled access, visitor verification, and an immediate human escalation path when alarms or suspicious activity occur. For events, especially large, public-facing gatherings, guards manage crowd flows, prevent prohibited items from entering, de-escalate conflicts, and offer an accredited point of contact for emergency services. To give you a context, there was a 16% reduction in victim-generated crimes in the stations with more security guard deployment in the UK which can also be translated to Canada.
Local Context: GTA Trends that Affect Business Operations
Toronto and surrounding municipalities have reported specific public-safety concerns in recent years. Toronto Police data and reports from 2023–2024 documented increases in shootings, a notable rise in hate-motivated incidents following global events, and organized criminal activity influencing violent incidents in the city. These dynamics raise the baseline risk for businesses that host the public or operate high-footfall locations. Meanwhile, municipal police dashboards and regional reports (for Peel, York, Halton and Durham) show uneven crime patterns across the GTA, which means security planning needs to be local, data-driven and flexible so that businesses can operate at ease
Insurance Benefits: How Guards Can Lower Premiums and Claims Exposure
Insurance underwriters value risk mitigation. A professionally staffed security program demonstrates that a company has taken “reasonable steps” to prevent losses and that can translate into lower premiums, higher limits, or more favorable terms. For property and casualty insurers, verified protective measures such as 24/7 security, access control, incident reporting procedures and video-verified patrols reduce the expected loss severity from theft, vandalism and liability claims. When incidents do occur, on-site guards supplied by experienced firms like Akin Force provide timely incident reports, witness statements, and chain-of-custody practices that materially strengthen claims. This also shields you from any litigations or damages that can cause a dent to your annual revenue.
Operational Wins That Matter to Outlets, Corporates and Events
For retail outlets: Trained guards lower shrink from theft, handle difficult customers with de-escalation techniques, and provide an immediate liaison to police when necessary. They can also act swiftly in case of an emergency and keep your customers safe.
For corporations: Guards control access, verify vendors and contractors, conduct routine patrols, and support safety drills. They also perform ID checks to only allow authorized personnel and help you design a secure system based on organization hierarchy.
For events and venues: Certified event security crews manage crowds, ensure compliance, and coordinate rapid responses allowing for a swift action and improve the success rate of an event.
For hospitality and multifamily properties: Guards deter nuisance behaviour, trespassing, and reinforce safety confidence allowing travellers to feel safe and secure in their temporary home.
Camera Does Not Intervene
Cameras and sensors are excellent at recording incidents but they are poor at preventing them when human behaviour needs managing. Professional guards bring judgement, situational awareness and interpersonal skills that technology can’t replicate. They intervene in real time, applying calibrated force or assistance as needed. Although, video recordings can help you while tracing the perpetrator, submitting evidence, and claiming insurance.
Tailored Security for Different Business Types
The “right” security model is never one-size-fits-all. Akin Force designs layered programs such as visible patrols, static officers for access points, concierge-style guards for lobbies, plainclothes specialists for high-risk retail, and event teams for short-term deployments. Programs are adjusted seasonally and based on crime data such as holiday shopping surges or GTA festival weekends. You can get a quote for your business as Akin Force does a complete sweep to identify vulnerabilities and provide possible fixes to maintain security and shield your business from crimes.
Cost vs. Value: The ROI of Professional Guarding
Compared to the potential costs of a major theft, violent incident, reputational fallout or a protracted insurance dispute, the fee for trained guards is an investment in prevention. ROI is measured in reduced shrink, lower insurance costs, fewer liability claims, and preserved revenue during critical periods. Whether or not your business is thriving, an unexpected incident will disrupt your operation and add a dent to your revenue.
Choosing a Provider: What to Look For
Licensing and insurance are baseline. The best firms offer local expertise, verifiable sector references, robust training (first aid, de-escalation, crowd management), and transparent incident reporting. Akin Force combines accredited guards, data-driven deployments, and claims-support documentation. You will need to also compare the quotes and opt for guards and security plans that come from a certified and reputable firm.
Final Thought
In 2025, the right security posture balances technology and human skill, operating dynamically against a shifting threat landscape. Businesses in the GTA and across Canada that ignore the preventive value of trained security personnel risk people, brand trust, and insurance stability. Professional guards from Akin Force deliver proactive mitigation, rapid response, and defensible documentation. It is time to secure your profits and shield your business from unwanted incidents that could have been prevented with a security firm.
FAQs
- How much does a professional security guard cost in the GTA?
Costs vary by role, license level, hours and specialization. Request a tailored quote from Akin Force. - Can having guards actually reduce our insurance premium?
Yes. Many insurers offer credits or better terms when businesses demonstrate robust loss-prevention measures. - Are Akin Force guards licensed and insured?
Yes. They are licensed professionals and the company carries liability insurance. - Do security guards carry weapons?
Most settings use unarmed, trained officers. Armed roles are highly regulated and rare. - How do guards help with claims after an incident?
They produce reports, collect statements, preserve scenes, and coordinate with responders. - What training do event security officers have?
Training covers crowd management, de-escalation, first aid/CPR, and evacuation protocols. - Can security guards work alongside CCTV and alarm systems?
Yes. Guards confirm alerts, conduct checks, and manage responses. - How quickly can a security team be deployed for an event?
Deployment depends on staffing; Akin Force maintains rosters for rapid mobilization. - Will guards enforce company policy or local laws?
They enforce property rules and can detain individuals until police arrive, within legal limits. - 10. How do we measure the effectiveness of a security program?
Use KPIs such as reduced incidents, lower shrink, faster response, fewer claims, and feedback.