FAQs

What is a Keyholding service?

A keyholding service is a security measure in which a professional security company holds a copy of your building or premises’ keys. In the event of an emergency, such as an alarm activation or break-in, our trained security personnel can quickly respond to the location, access the premises, and deal with the situation as needed. In addition, Photech Keyholding offers mobile patrol and guarding as well as open/close services.

Why should I use a keyholding service?

Using a keyholding service ensures that there are trained professionals available to respond to emergencies quickly, reducing the risk of damage or theft. It also provides peace of mind, knowing that your property is being monitored by experts, even when you’re unavailable or unable to attend yourself.

Is your Keyholding Service available 24/7?

Yes, our keyholding service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our team is always ready to respond to emergencies or alarms at any time, ensuring your property is protected around the clock.

Are all of your guards SIA registered?

Yes, at Photech Keyholding, we adhere to the highest standards and strive to exceed client expectations at every level. Every member of our team of security professionals is highly trained and SIA accredited.

Which areas of London do you cover?

We have a security presence across North London – some of the areas we cover are as follows but please do get in touch to discuss options and see how we can help:

  • Park Royal
  • Acton
  • Willesden
  • Harlesden
  • Edgeware
  • Ealing
  • Wembley
  • Shepherds Bush
  • Holland Park
  • Hammersmith
  • Perivale
  • Harrow

Can you let me in if I’m locked out?

Yes, if you’re locked out of your property or business, we can assist with emergency access by dispatching a trained security officer to let you in, provided we have your keys on file.

How do I sign up for a keyholding service?

To get started with our keyholding service, simply contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll assess your needs, explain the process in more detail, and arrange for key collection and secure storage.

How much does keyholding cost?

The cost of keyholding services can vary based on factors like the size and location of your property, the level of service required, and the frequency of emergency responses. We offer no-obligation, customised quotes based on your specific needs but the cost can be as little as £1 per day.

What is mobile security patrol?

A mobile security patrol involves trained security officers who regularly patrol a designated area, such as a business, residential property, construction site, or commercial facility, using marked vehicles. The officers may perform tasks like monitoring security systems, inspecting premises for signs of unauthorised access, and responding to emergencies or alarms if we also provide keyholding services.

How often do mobile patrols visit my premises?

The frequency of patrols depends on your specific security needs. We can provide scheduled patrols (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly) or random, unscheduled visits to keep potential intruders uncertain about when security will be present. Custom patrol schedules can be arranged based on your requirements – please get in touch to discuss.

What types of places can be covered by mobile patrol?

Mobile patrols can cover a wide range of areas, including:

  • Commercial properties (offices, warehouses, retail stores)
  • Construction sites
  • Residential properties & developments
  • Industrial facilities
  • Vacant properties or land

What are the benefits of using a mobile patrol service?

Some key benefits include:

  • Increased deterrence: The visibility of a security vehicle patrolling the area deters potential criminal activity.
  • Cost-effective: Less expensive than having a full-time, on-site security guard.
  • Flexibility: Can cover large areas and multiple locations with fewer resources.
  • Rapid response: Patrol units can respond quickly to alarms, incidents, or suspicious activity.
  • Peace of mind: Regular security checks ensure that your property remains safe and secure.

Can you water my plants whilst I’m away?

Yes! Each of our contracts is tailored to our client’s needs. Whether you need us to provide a mobile patrol to deter potential break-ins, open or close the premises to let tradespeople or contractors in, check heating to prevent frozen pipes or water your plants, our approach is flexible as we strive to exceed customer expectations.

Do I have to sign up for a year?

No, not at all. We offer flexible solutions for a range of businesses and residential properties to include long-term contracts and short term, on demand and ad hoc services.

What happens if the patrol officer encounters a problem or emergency at the premises?

In case of an emergency, our mobile patrol officer will follow a pre-agreed, set protocol, which includes contacting emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) and securing the property. Our team is trained to manage various emergency situations, from break-ins to medical incidents.

Can I customise the patrol route and schedule?

Yes, we always customise the patrol route and schedule based on your needs. Whether you require a specific area to be checked more frequently or prefer unpredictable patrol times, we will tailor the service to meet your security objectives.

Do you work on Christmas Day and bank holidays?

Yes, we operate our full security services including keyholding, guarding, mobile patrols and open/close services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What is an Open/Close Service?

A security open/close service involves security professionals opening and closing your business premises usually at the start and end of each working day. This service typically includes unlocking doors, ensuring the premises are secure, performing security checks, arming or disarming alarms, and locking up after hours. We also offer on demand and ad hoc open/close services that are out of hours.

Why would I need an Open/Close service?

A security open/close service ensures that your business is properly secured both when you open and close for the day, minimising the risk of theft, break-ins, or security breaches. It also provides peace of mind knowing that your property is being handled by trained professionals, especially if you’re not on-site or if your business operates outside of regular hours.

What is included in an Open/Close service?

Our open/close service typically includes:

  • Unlocking doors, gates, or other entry points
  • Deactivating alarm systems (and checking the system is working properly)
  • Performing a security sweep of the premises to check for potential security issues (e.g., unlocked doors, suspicious activity)
  • Closing and securing all entry points at the end of the day
  • Activating alarm systems after the premises are securely locked
  • Monitoring for any unusual activity or breaches including visual checks of the car park and surrounding areas

Can you handle Open/Close services for multiple locations?

Yes, we have a team of highly trained security professionals meaning we can manage security open/close services for multiple locations. If your business has multiple sites, we can arrange for security officers to visit each location on the designated schedule, ensuring consistent and professional coverage across all properties.

If you cannot find the answer to your question, please do get in touch.