“Physical security incidents on the rise” reports Mitie

The survey of senior security decision-makers is part of the second edition of Mitie’s annual Security Radar, which also includes insights and predictions from leading experts including Shaun Hipgrave (director of Protect and Prepare at the Homeland Security Group) and Abu Ahmed, head of the Joint Security and Resilience Centre.

Security professionals (ie 59% of them) have recognised the cost-of-living crisis, social unrest (54%) and geopolitical conflicts (41%) as main drivers of changes in the threat landscape. Two-fifths (41%) said that a lack of intelligence on emerging threats is the biggest barrier their organisations face when managing physical security threats, although investment in technology is in train to overcome this.

Almost nine-in-ten (85%) have introduced threat intelligence including horizon scanning, reporting and predictions (or plan to do so in the next year). Over half (57%) are also enhancing on-premise technological security measures including surveillance in a bid to better protect the personal safety of their teams.

Advanced technology and AI

The use of advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has surged in the last 12 months. Three-in-five (59%) security decision-makers suggest that they’re already using AI as part of their security strategy, which is almost three times as many as in 2024 when this figure stood at 22%.

Half of them intend to deploy advanced security technology and tools in the next year, including intrusion detection systems, smart sensors and automated security drones.

Although technology plays a role in creating safer communities, trained security officers and expertise are still critical. Upwards of two-in-five (42%) of those security professionals questioned plan to enhance the physical security presence.

Half (52%) of organisations are also investing in their people and say they plan to offer opportunities for training and development in the next year to respond to new legislation including Martyn’s Law and the Worker Protection Act, while improving the ability to recognise threats and mitigate their impact.

There’s a sense of unity within the industry. Three-fifths (60%) of security professionals believe collaboration between the public sector and the private sector has increased in the last 18 months, while almost half (47%) say their organisation has collaborated with industry peers and associates to share Best Practice and insights. Two-in-five (41%) say they are collaborating with the police service and other governing bodies to improve resilience against physical security threats.

Setting higher standards

In the face of this complex landscape, and in parallel with targeted collaborative initiatives, the CEOs of leading security firms are now working together to set higher standards.

This year’s Security Radar provides insights from a range of experts on the key factors playing a part in tackling evolving threats and driving sector unification over the next year. It includes guidance on:

*Prioritising collaboration with one voice

Setting a unified standard across the industry with public safety as the ‘North Star’

*Proof of proactive compliance

Building proportionate measures, clear accountability and a visible evidence trail to remain compliant with new legislation

*Stepping up on VAWG

With police resources stretched, councils, policing, BIDs, charities and private sector organisations alike will be expected to lead the charge and deliver meaningful progress on VAWG

*Proportionately navigating extremism

The tempo and complexity of extremism has evolved. Solutions live in the overlap between knowledge, intel and capabilities

*Updating the risk management playbook

The next generation risk management playbook isn’t about predicting every threat, but rather building the adaptability and culture to face what comes next

*Adopting tools for business value

Tech challenges vary from estate to estate and investment in tools must bring business value not just noise

*Integrating private security and law enforcement

Integration can become part of critical infrastructure by presenting data and ready-to-share evidence. The most important shift is moving from ad hoc data sharing to always-on collaboration

Striking the right balance 

Jason Towse, managing director of the Business Services division at Mitie, commented: “This research reveals that the task for organisations is how they balance the use of technology, personnel and partnerships effectively to address the ever-evolving nature of security threats in order to keep colleagues and members of the general public safe.”

Towse added: “It’s crucial that our once fragmented industry comes together to reshape the future of security and bolster its resilience. Collaboration can elevate standards, build stronger partnerships and, most importantly, create safer communities.”

*Read the Mitie Security Rade report in full online