In recent years, many areas of Southern California have seen worrying trends in violent and property crime. For businesses, commercial properties, and high-value sites, on-site security guards are no longer just an added benefit — they are increasingly a necessity.
Here’s what the data is showing, and how your business or property can stay protected.
What the Recent Statistics Reveal
These are the latest crime trends in parts of Southern California, especially in counties like Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego:
- Statewide, according to the California Department of Justice, the violent crime rate in 2023 rose to about 511 per 100,000 people, up from roughly 494.6 in 2022.
- Property crime in the same period slightly decreased.
- In San Bernardino:
- Violent crime in 2023 reached ~1,071 per 100,000 people.
- That rate is about double the California average in that year.
- Homicide rate there for 2023 was about 16.2 per 100,000, over three times the statewide average of ~4.8.
- Although recent data in 2024 shows some declines in violent crime in many areas (including San Bernardino) compared to 2023, many counties still saw increases in categories like robberies and aggravated assaults in 2023 versus previous years.
Why On‑Site Security Guards Are Essential Now
Given the above trends, here’s why hiring professional physical security guards matters more than ever for businesses across the region:
- Visible Deterrence
A uniformed security guard presence alone can reduce robberies, trespassing, loitering, and other crimes. Potential offenders are less likely to target properties where they expect swift intervention. - Rapid Incident Response
When violent crime, theft, or vandalism occurs, having trained guards on-site ensures faster response, containment, and communication with law enforcement — potentially minimizing damage or loss. - Protection of High-Value or High‑Risk Properties
Industrial sites, warehouses, commercial storefronts, and high-end residential buildings are increasingly targeted. With San Bernardino’s violent crime and homicide rates well above state averages, high-value assets are at higher risk. Guards can focus on access control, property patrols, and security checks. - Tailored, Local Knowledge & Risk Mitigation
Guard services that are local understand the unique crime patterns in each county (whether LA’s urban density, Riverside’s sprawling suburbs, or San Diego’s mix of commercial & coastal properties). That lets them customize patrol routes, shifts, and protective measures based on actual risk. - Insurance & Liability Impact
Many insurers reduce premiums or are more favorable if there is documented physical security. Having on-site guards shows proactive risk management, which can help in claims or in negotiating policy terms.
What this Means Across Southern California’s Five Counties
- Los Angeles County: Dense urban zones and high traffic mean elevated risk of burglaries, vandalism, and theft. On‑site guards can help with crowd control, monitoring entry points, and immediate response.
- San Bernardino County: High rates of violent crime and homicides make guards especially important for business parks, warehouses, and remote properties.
- Riverside & Orange Counties: Mixed suburban/commercial areas with growing development and increase in retail theft and organized shoplifting. Guards offering surveillance, patrol, and access control become more valuable.
- San Diego County: Tourist traffic, nightlife, and commercial districts can attract opportunistic crime; visibility and quick response are crucial.
Your Next Move: Secure Your Property Before It’s Too Late
Don’t wait until you become a crime statistic. Investing in professional, licensed, trained security guards helps safeguard your people, property, and reputation.
If you’re ready to assess your security needs — get a free site evaluation from us. We’ll identify vulnerabilities, recommend the right guard staffing, and show you how guarding services can protect you against rising threats in SoCal.
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