How Much Do Security Services in London Cost?

The Truth About Security Costs That Most Businesses Don’t Know

If you’ve ever Googled how much do security services in London cost, you’ve probably noticed the answer isn’t simple. Prices vary wildly, and sometimes, what looks affordable turns out to be a corner-cutting disaster.

The truth? Security pricing in London depends on many factors, from the size of your property to how many guards you need, and even what hours they’re on duty.

In a bustling city where crime prevention, corporate protection, and 24/7 surveillance are crucial, getting real value means understanding what drives those numbers.

This blog will walk you through real 2025 prices, cost breakdowns, hidden fees, and how to avoid overpaying for mediocre protection.

Why Investing in Security Isn’t an Expense: It’s Protection That Pays Off

Think of security as insurance with muscle. You don’t invest in guards or CCTV because it’s trendy; you do it to protect people, assets, and peace of mind.

In 2025, London businesses are spending more than ever on private security. The UK’s private security industry is valued at £8.9 billion, and the demand in London alone has grown 22% since 2023, mainly due to rising vandalism, retail theft, and corporate break-ins.

For businesses, that investment often pays for itself. A well-trained guard can prevent theft worth thousands each year, while a monitored CCTV system reduces vandalism risk by over 50%, according to Met Police data.

In other words, not having security might be the more expensive option.

What Really Determines the Price of Security Services in London

Let’s unpack the biggest cost drivers behind your security quote:

1. Location and Risk Zone:

London has unique challenges, from congested parking fees to high-risk business districts. A security firm protecting a Mayfair jewellery store will quote differently from one guarding a Croydon warehouse.

2. Service Type:

Manned guarding, CCTV monitoring, mobile patrols, and event security all have distinct price brackets. Manned guarding typically sits at the core of most contracts.

3. Shift Hours:

Night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays come with premiums. The longer the hours, the higher the total, but per-hour rates may drop on longer contracts.

4. Training and Qualifications:

Guards with SIA licenses, first-aid, fire safety, or counter-terror awareness command higher wages and rightly so.

5. Contract Duration and Scale:

A single event or one-month contract will cost more per hour than a six-month agreement with multiple guards because of economies of scale and mobilisation fees.

6. Equipment and Technology:

If your site needs CCTV, access control, or radios, you’ll pay for setup, maintenance, or monitoring.

When you break it down, it’s not about paying more; it’s about paying smart.

How Much You Should Expect to Pay for Security in London

Below is a current market snapshot compiled from London providers.

Pro Tip: Some companies charge “call-out” or “mobilisation” fees for short-term coverage. Always ask if these are included upfront.

How Different Security Services Stack Up on Price and Value

1. Manned Guarding

Perfect for offices, construction sites, retail shops, or residential blocks that need a physical presence. Guards handle access control, incident reports, and crowd management.

The visible deterrent effect alone reduces risks dramatically; most intruders simply avoid properties with active guards.

2. Mobile Patrols

If you don’t need round-the-clock security, mobile patrols are your budget picks. Patrol officers conduct timed or random checks through GPS-tracked routes, making it hard for intruders to predict. It’s flexible, fast, and cost-effective.

3. CCTV Monitoring

CCTV now uses AI-assisted systems to spot motion and alert operators instantly. Pairing remote monitoring with physical patrols provides an affordable hybrid that’s growing in popularity, especially for SMEs.

4. Keyholding and Alarm Response

This gives peace of mind after hours. Your provider keeps secure keys and dispatches a trained responder when alarms trigger. It’s far safer than sending your own staff at 3 a.m. to check a false alarm.

5. Event Security

Festivals, concerts, and corporate events need trained professionals for crowd control and emergency planning. London’s busy events calendar makes demand high, so book early and confirm the hourly structure (flat or per shift).

In-House vs Contracted Security: Which Option Saves You More

Many businesses ask: “Should I hire my own guards or outsource to a company like Intraguard?”

In-House Security

• More control, but you handle recruitment, payroll, uniforms, HR, insurance, and training.
• You cover holidays and sick days.
• The average total yearly cost per guard (including benefits) can exceed £45,000.

Contracted Security

• All staff are managed, vetted, insured, and trained by the provider.
• You pay only for services you use, scaling up or down as needed.
• Predictable invoices and no HR admin headaches.

In most cases, contracted security saves 15–25% annually compared to managing in-house teams.

Unexpected Costs That Could Blow Up Your Security Budget

When comparing quotes for security services in London, it’s tempting to focus only on the hourly rate, but that’s often just the tip of the iceberg. Many businesses discover additional charges after signing the contract, which can quickly inflate the total cost of protection.

Let’s explore some of the most common (and costly) hidden fees you should watch out for and how to avoid them.

1. Parking and Congestion Fees

Operating inside London’s congestion zones isn’t cheap. Security guards and patrol vehicles moving through Zones 1–3 often incur daily congestion and parking charges, and many providers pass these directly onto clients.

For instance, the London Congestion Charge currently sits at £15 per day, and certain high-traffic areas add extra parking surcharges. If your premises are in central London or near high-security areas like Westminster or the City, expect this cost to be factored into your quote.

Tip: Always ask whether travel and congestion costs are included in the quoted price, especially if your site requires frequent patrols or multi-site coverage.

2. Shift Premiums

Not all working hours are created equal. Security work during unsociable hours, nights, weekends, or bank holidays usually attracts a 10–30% premium over standard rates.

This makes sense, given that guards must work at higher-risk times, often in isolation or during public events. However, some companies don’t clarify this in initial quotes, leaving you surprised when invoices show unexpected “out-of-hours” charges.

Tip: Confirm your hourly rate covers 24/7 operations or specify which hours count as premium. It’s better to lock this in before the first patrol than after the first invoice.

3. Setup and Mobilisation Fees

Many clients overlook the one-time setup or mobilisation costs that come with launching a new contract, especially short-term or event-based services.

These fees cover essentials such as:

• Uniforms and ID badges
• Radios, torches, and patrol tracking devices
• Site inductions and risk assessments
• Initial handover and training sessions

Though often reasonable, these charges can range from £100–£500 per site, depending on complexity.

Tip: Ask whether your quote includes mobilisation costs and whether any of it is refundable on longer-term contracts.

4. Regulatory Compliance

The best security providers invest heavily in SIA (Security Industry Authority) licensing, staff vetting, refresher training, and compliance audits. These are non-negotiables for legal and safety reasons, but they can impact your overall pricing.

Less reputable operators sometimes cut corners by skipping background checks or hiring unlicensed guards to undercut the market. While that might save you a few pounds short-term, it can expose you to legal and liability risks if an incident occurs.

Tip: Always check that every guard on your site holds an active SIA licence. It’s your first layer of protection against costly mistakes.

5. Cheap Quotes: The Hidden Cost of “Too Good to Be True”

If you receive a quote that seems significantly cheaper than others, it’s a major red flag.

Unfortunately, the London security market still faces issues with unregulated, low-cost operators using untrained staff, paying below legal wage levels, or skipping insurance coverage entirely.

According to the GuardPass 2025 Industry Report, these operators may initially seem like a bargain. Still, they’ve been linked to a 40% rise in insurance claims due to poor incident handling and delayed response times. That means your “savings” could turn into costly losses fast.

Tip: Don’t choose based on price alone. Ask for proof of insurance, SIA certification, and client references.

How to Save on Security Services Without Risking Safety

You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay secure. Here’s how to optimise:

• Combine Services: Use CCTV + mobile patrols instead of two full-time guards.
• Bundle Contracts: Hiring one company for multiple services (guarding + keyholding) can save 10–15%.
• Assess Site Risk: Not every entrance needs the same coverage.
• Negotiate Longer Terms: 12-month contracts often come with lower hourly rates.
• Ask for a Site Audit: Reputable companies like Intraguard will assess your property for free and recommend cost-efficient coverage.

What Sets Intraguard Apart in London’s Security Industry

At Intraguard, we don’t just secure, we solve. Our London-based team blends professionalism, clarity, and real local knowledge to deliver measurable protection at fair prices.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Transparent Pricing: Every quote shows exactly what’s included, no extra charges.
• SIA-Licensed Guards: Fully vetted professionals trained in customer service, fire safety, and emergency response.
• Custom Packages: From corporate offices to residential blocks, you pay only for what you need.
• Tech-Enabled Security: Remote CCTV, alarm response, and GPS-tracked patrols all integrated for cost-efficiency.
• 24/7 Support: We’re always on call because safety doesn’t clock out.

We believe the best security is both visible and valuable, giving you confidence without financial stress.

Sum It All Up

Security in London isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s a balance between budget and safety. But with smart planning and the right provider, you can protect your people and property without breaking the bank.

Ready to know your exact cost? Contact Intraguard today for a site assessment and transparent quote because when it comes to security, clarity is your best defence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is London More Expensive For Security Than Other UK Regions?

London’s higher wages, travel fees, and insurance rates naturally push prices up. The city’s density and risk profile also require more experienced staff.

Are Mobile Patrols Really Worth It?

Yes, for low-risk sites, mobile patrols can cut your costs by up to 40% while keeping your property monitored at key intervals.

How Do I Know If a Company’s Quote is Fair?

Ask for a breakdown: hourly rate, training level, shift coverage, and any extras. If they hesitate, walk away. Transparency equals trust.

What’s The Cheapest Way to Protect My Business?

Mix it up, combine CCTV, alarm response, and scheduled patrols. This layered approach maximises deterrence with minimal spend.