Christmas retail security
SIA licensed officers for shops, shopping centres and retail parks across Edinburgh, from late November to the January sales.
Security officers play a crucial role in limiting loss from theft over the festive period. On Guard Security provides SIA licensed retail security officers to shops across Edinburgh, from independent shops in the Old Town to city centre stores and units on the retail parks. Cover runs from late November through Boxing Day and the January sales. Most enquiries get a written quote within 24 hours.
Source: Scottish Government, Recorded Crime in Scotland 2025/26 (assaults as reported by Scottish Grocer).
From shoplifting to abuse and threats against staff, Christmas trading brings risks a store has to plan for. Officers work at the entrance and on the shop floor. They deter theft, deal with shoplifting in line with your store's own procedures and back up staff who are being abused or threatened.
Before the first shift we walk the store with you, looking at entrances and exits, tills, stockroom doors and the parts of the shop that get crowded. Officers can wear branded uniform, business casual or corporate dress, depending on how visible you want them to be.
Shifts are supervised. Where we can, we keep the same officers on your store for the season so they get to know the layout and your staff. Our founder, Dean Waters, has over 15 years in the security industry, including loss prevention.
Recorded shoplifting in Scotland reached 53,369 crimes in 2025/26. That is up 19% on 44,730 the year before, the highest level since 1971 and 86% higher than ten years ago. Common assaults on retail workers rose 10%, from 2,870 to 3,162.
Source: Scottish Government, Recorded Crime in Scotland 2025/26 (assault figures as reported by Scottish Grocer).
In Edinburgh, Police Scotland's Retail Crime Taskforce had arrested more than 230 people by September 2025, with 234 charges relating to an estimated £25,000 of stolen goods.
Source: The Edinburgh Reporter, "Capital shoplifting crackdown", September 2025.
Every site is different. Tell us about yours and we will send a tailored quotation and plan.
We plan officer numbers and shift times around these dates as part of your loss prevention plan. For shops closed overnight or over the bank holidays, see winter security patrols in Edinburgh.
Each store has its own layout, hours and peak days, so we do not publish set rates. Get in touch with your store address, opening hours and the dates you need covered, by WhatsApp on +44 7348 955836 or email dean@onguardsecurity.uk. We learn about your store or stores and your requirements, then send a free, tailored quotation and loss prevention plan.
The price depends on the number of officers, the hours, the dates and how much notice we have. Surcharges may apply over the holiday period and for late shifts, depending on the job. Book as soon as you know your dates. If you need someone today, see our last minute and emergency security guards: most Edinburgh deployments are within 2 to 4 hours.
Coverage
Examples of where we work. If your location is not listed, get in touch.
FAQs
It depends on the number of officers, the hours, the dates, how many weeks you need cover and how much notice you give. Shifts over the Christmas and New Year holidays may carry a surcharge. Our guide on how much a security guard costs in Scotland explains the factors, and quotes are free.
Yes. Every On Guard Security officer holds an SIA licence. Each shift is supervised and you have a named On Guard contact.
Yes. We look at your opening hours, peak days such as the last weekend before Christmas and the Boxing Day sales, and the parts of the store most at risk. Officer numbers and shift times are then set out in your tailored quotation and loss prevention plan.
Most Edinburgh deployments are within 2 to 4 hours, and often within 60 to 90 minutes for genuine emergencies, depending on location. There is a 24/7 emergency line, and WhatsApp gets the fastest reply. For planned December cover, sending your dates early makes it easier to keep the same officers on your store.
Yes. On Guard Security covers stores across Edinburgh, including retail parks such as Fort Kinnaird, The Gyle, Cameron Toll and Straiton Retail Park. We also cover Livingston and West Lothian, Fife and the Borders, and provide Christmas retail security in Glasgow. For cover beyond Christmas, see commercial security across Edinburgh and Scotland.
Does your Edinburgh shop need officers on the door or the shop floor this Christmas?
Contact us on WhatsApp or email us today to receive a written quotation and loss prevention plan.
Google reviews
"Dean and his staff are always professional, reliable and well-presented at every event. They handle situations calmly and confidently, while also staying approachable and respectful to guests and staff."
"No matter the location, whether it is Larbert, Troon, Aberdeen, Livingston, Bathgate, Inverness, Shetland, Stornoway or anywhere in between, the standard of service is always professional, reliable and well organised."
"Working alongside their team is always an absolute pleasure. Their staff is highly trained, incredibly reliable, and handles event operations with the utmost composure."
"After the first day Dean pointed out a potential security risk which I was not aware of. He also came to the site several times to check if everything is ok."
"Dean and his team are professional, reliable, well-presented, and understand the fairground and attractions industry extremely well."
"Absolutely fantastic service from the team at on guard needed last minute security and they were spot on 10/10"
"Dean and his team have been excellent. Flexible, professional and clearly understand the best approach to each individual situation."
"As an SIA-certified Close Protection specialist, his strategic preparation was spot on, and the subsequent execution left nothing to be desired."
"Dean is always a great asset in the team and his staff all align with our values of delivering above and beyond service."
"We use On guard for many of our events around Scotland. There a great bunch of guys & gals with great management and knowledge of licensing and policies."
Learn about us
A Scottish event and site security company with more than 65 SIA licensed personnel, led by founder Dean Waters, who has over 15 years in the security industry. We work across Edinburgh, Glasgow, the central belt and beyond, for events, commercial sites, construction and private clients.
Watch the video below to learn more about us
Contact us
Tell us your location or locations, dates and what you need covered. We will learn about your requirements and send a written quotation and security plan, usually within 24 hours.
Or call +44 7348 955836 · dean@onguardsecurity.uk