Retailers across Alberta are dealing with a shifting landscape. While overall property crime has eased in recent years, levels remain well above historical lows, and organized retail theft continues to be a serious concern. The Alberta RCMP reports that, for the full year 2024 compared to 2023, break-ins fell by 8%, motor vehicle theft dropped by 6%, and thefts (over and under $5,000) declined by 6%.
Despite these decreases, annual retail theft still accounted for nearly 30,000 offences in 2024 alone, suggesting that shoplifting, vandalism, and after-hours break-ins remain pervasive threats.
These trends are forcing many business owners to reassess how they protect their property, staff, and inventory.
That’s where retail security guards in Alberta and how mobile patrol services operate come into focus. As criminal activity becomes more organized and unpredictable, relying on passive alarm systems alone is no longer enough.
Mobile patrols offer a flexible, visible, and proactive security solution that can deter crime before it happens without the high cost of hiring a full-time static guard.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how mobile patrol services work, why they’re a smart investment for retail businesses, and what to look for in a professional security partner. If you’re trying to secure your store without draining your budget, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
The Rising Tide of Retail Crime in Alberta
Although overall property crime in Alberta has declined slightly, organized retail theft and targeted break-ins remain pressing issues for retailers. Calgary Police have already responded to approximately 400 retail-related service calls so far in 2025, with thefts and robberies continuing to rise in malls and strip plazas.
Additionally, though shoplifting rates in Alberta dropped a bit between 2019 and 2023, with 2023 incidents at 541 per 100,000 population, the province still ranks fourth highest in Canada.
These figures highlight that threats remain acute, even if the overall numbers are changing.
Retail businesses in standalone stores, strip malls, and 24-hour operations are especially vulnerable. Commercial break-ins, internal theft, vandalism during off-hours, and loiterers scouting locations are frequent challenges.
A recent RCMP crackdown on a rural Alberta crime ring uncovered multiple break-ins at convenience stores and dispensaries, showing how mobile offenders can impact both urban and rural retailers.
In short, while generalized theft may ebb and flow, organized criminal activity targeting retail outlets has surged and continues to demand focused intervention.
How Mobile Patrol Services Deter and Respond to Crime
Understanding how mobile patrol services work starts with knowing they’re not just drive-by checks. These services involve trained security guards performing randomized visits to retail properties, either by vehicle or on foot. Their unpredictable timing alone is a powerful deterrent. Criminals never know when a patrol might arrive.
In most retail settings, mobile patrol officers monitor entry points, check for signs of forced entry, inspect perimeters, and report any suspicious activity in real time. Their presence is highly visible, often with marked vehicles and uniforms, which naturally discourages theft, loitering, and vandalism.
The key advantage of how mobile patrol services operate is the combination of flexibility and rapid response. If an alarm is triggered or a window is found open during a patrol, officers are already nearby, reducing response time significantly. For example, a patrol may inspect a strip mall at 10 PM, revisit at 2 AM, and again just before sunrise, making it hard for bad actors to predict and exploit gaps.
Common tasks mobile patrols handle in retail include:
Checking for after-hours trespassers or loiterers near storefronts
Monitoring parking lots for break-ins or tampered vehicles
Performing lockup duties at closing time
Documenting maintenance issues like broken lights or open gates
Responding immediately to triggered alarms
These hands-on patrols bring security closer to real-time intervention, creating a proactive rather than reactive protection plan.
Why Mobile Patrols Are More Cost-Effective Than Static Guards
For many Alberta retailers, hiring a full-time on-site guard isn’t financially viable, especially for smaller stores or those that don’t operate 24/7. That’s where mobile patrols offer real value.
Unlike static guards who remain at a single location for an entire shift, mobile patrol officers can check multiple retail properties in one route. This shared service model spreads the cost across businesses while still delivering a strong security presence. In effect, you get regular surveillance without paying for someone to stand guard full-time.
For example, a mobile patrol team might check four different retail centres between 11 PM and 6 AM, performing random but strategic visits at each. This unpredictability keeps criminals off guard while saving clients from higher hourly rates.
Other reasons mobile patrols are cost-effective include:
Flexible scheduling (choose only the times you need coverage)
Scalability (increase patrol frequency during peak seasons)
No idle costs (you don’t pay for breaks or slow periods)
If your retail space doesn’t need constant monitoring, mobile patrols offer peace of mind without locking you into a costly contract.
Additional Benefits of Hiring Retail Security Guards in Alberta
Bringing on retail security guards in Alberta offers more than just theft prevention. Their presence supports daily operations and helps maintain a safe, welcoming environment for both customers and employees.
For example, security guards often:
Assist with crowd control during sales or product launches
Enforce parking lot rules and manage traffic flow
Respond to alarms or disturbances faster than police in remote areas
Support emergency protocols during fire drills, lockdowns, or evacuations
Guards are trained to de-escalate conflict, handle tense situations with professionalism, and document incidents accurately. Many services provide real-time reporting, keeping you informed on activity, patrol times, and issues spotted during rounds.
Ultimately, hiring retail security guards in Alberta gives store owners and staff the reassurance that help is close by, no matter what time it is.
Why Businesses Across Alberta Trust GPS Security Group
When it comes to retail security guards in Alberta, GPS Security Group stands out for its tailored and scalable protection plans. Our team specializes in designing mobile patrol services that address the real challenges retail businesses face, from after-hours break-ins to daytime loitering.
What sets GPS apart:
Custom patrol plans for single-location shops or multi-site chains
Coverage across Alberta, including Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and rural areas
24/7 availability with fast dispatch and responsive support
Trained, licensed security professionals who know how to handle retail environments
Ready to safeguard your business? Reach out today to learn more about trusted, professional mobile patrols that work when you need them most.
