Workers in the security field often have to deal with potential threats to their safety due to the very nature of their profession. Security guards can be hired for a variety of reasons, from protecting property to guarding items of high value. They can also be put in charge of other people, making it a line of work that’s particularly stressful.

Acting as deterrents to crime and misconduct, security guards often find themselves in the category of lone workers. Or at least workers with very limited co-workers and back up due to the cost-effective nature of hiring only one or a few people.

In England and Wales, robbery of business properties rose by 50% by the end of March 2025, compared to the year before. This suggests that security guards are at more risk than ever. That’s why personal security measures, such as lone worker alarms, can be a vital piece of equipment for lone security workers.

In this article, we’ll be looking at the dangers of this kind of work. We’ll also explore how personal alarms can help security guards feel safe while keeping employers aware of how to keep their workers protected.

The dangers of lone overnight security guard shifts

There are several key challenges that come with security guard work in the UK. But overnight security workers face different kinds of problems, most of which stem from working in isolation during unsociable hours. Let’s take a look at some of the most common dangers that security guards have to deal with during overnight work.

Common issues associated with lone working

In 2025, the British Safety Council released figures stating that 150 lone workers were found to have been attacked on a daily basis in the UK. This danger only increases with the very nature of security work.

While physical assaults and confrontations are common, especially for those who guard high value properties, security guards also face the same risks that all lone workers do, including the following:

Environmental hazards.
Personal accidents such as falls and trips.
Medical emergencies and other illnesses.
Dangers caused by faulty equipment.
Issues caused by lack of training from management staff.
Mental health issues, some of which can be caused by or exacerbated by lack of social support and an increase in isolation.
Burnout and extreme fatigue caused by working unsocial hours.

Physically demanding work

Security work can be demanding both physically and mentally. Some of the physical tasks that guards might have to handle include:

Searching and patrolling a property
Responding appropriately to situations that require a level of physicality (such as altercations or chasing suspects)
Maintaining the safety of a building (being put in charge of opening and closing gates, moving large objects etc.)

Mentally demanding work

When it comes to mentally demanding work, security guards often deal with issues such as confrontations (which can sometimes lead to physical interactions), hostile situations and taxing moral and ethical decisions, such as deciding when and how to engage someone while still maintaining appropriate behaviour.

Working long, unsociable hours

Overnight security guards work through the night, which comes with a range of issues. Not only can these hours attract those looking to commit crime, but they can also lead to health problems relating to fatigue and exhaustion because of the alterations to the body's natural sleeping patterns.

Supportive solutions for lone working overnight security guards

Personal alarms are a particularly effective solution when it comes to keeping security guards safe and secure during their work shift. Certain features are more useful than others, so let’s take a look at some of the best features for lone working overnight security guards.

Panic buttons vs two-way communication

Two common methods for security guards on night shifts to stay protected are alarms with panic buttons and alarms with two-way communication. These are both great choices in their own ways, but the best alarm choice is one that offers both features in the same product.

Alarms with panic buttons allow users to press a button that will send out a distress signal if needed. This can be useful for security guards when it comes to aggressive confrontations during a lonely shift.

Two-way communication alarms allow the user to speak to a second party via their alarm, such a 24/7 response centre. This can be helpful in situations where a security guard does not need to be discreet, but are unsure of their personal safety during a difficult situation.

At SureSafe Alarms, we offer a range of lone working alarms with both panic buttons and two-way communication systems, meaning that security guards do not have to choose between one of these features and can feel all the more safe and secure.

Geofencing and automated check-ins

Other helpful features for alarms for security guards are geofencing and automated check-ins. Geofencing is a built-in alarm tool that creates a virtual boundary of sorts via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or GPS. These boundaries can be confined to specific areas, such as areas that are high risk.

Geofencing can keep security guards safe in a number of ways. It can track abnormal movements, such as rapid device movements or sudden stops, as well as recognise if a guard is not where they should be.

Automated check-ins allow guards to confirm that all is well as they work thanks to a system within the alarm that asks them to confirm their position. Again, SureSafe lone worker alarms are a great option here, as they offer both constant or self-managed monitoring as well as geofencing capabilities.

Evidence collection features

Security guards can also benefit from features that can protect them in the event of accusations. Features such as GPS, the aforementioned geofencing and “Find Me” functions can be invaluable for these kinds of situations, providing the evidence needed to show where the worker was at certain times.

Learn more about SureSafe personal alarms for overnight lone working security guards

SureSafe alarms are well suited for security guards who work the night shift. They include features that can collect evidence, offer numerous methods of communication and keep security guards safe.

Above all, SureSafe offers high-quality products and reassurance for employers and employees alike. For more information, give us a call on 0808 303 4541, get in touch on our live chat, or request a callback on our online form. Make sure to have a read of our Trustpilot reviews as well to see what our customers have to say about our services and our top tier products.