A Cost-Effective Security Solution To Protect Your Business
Over the last decade, mobile security trailers (a.k.a. mobile surveillance towers or mobile security towers or MSTs) have been popping up more and more on commercial properties. These portable security units, which are usually mounted on vehicles or attached to poles or other structures, offer owners and managers flexibility, adaptability, and affordability.
But are they right for your business? What exactly are mobile security towers? What are their components? What are the cost savings? What are the other benefits? Are they better to buy or rent?
At Titan, our model of the MST system is Virtual Officer, and it's one of our most popular offerings. We've put together this comprehensive guide, which will hopefully answer all your questions. If not, you can always give us a call to learn more about this new and effective security solution.
Understanding Mobile Security Trailers (Virtual Officer)
Does your site have no power source? Do you need to monitor different areas based on shifting security needs? Then a mobile surveillance trailer is the ideal solution. It's a self-powered, wireless surveillance trailer that is portable, allowing you to relocate from place to place as the need arises.
It's also elevated, with advanced cameras, sensors and communication devices that are mounted on a pole, offering a 360-degree, bird's eye view of a property.
Mobile surveillance units can be either leased or bought and are great for businesses in need of temporary security solutions, such as construction companies, state fairs and outdoor festivals.
They're also popular as a long-term solution at auto dealerships, transportation facilities, and parking lots of retail stores, hospitals, residential facilities and more.
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Components of a Mobile Security Trailer
One of the reasons mobile security trailers are so popular (and affordable) is the simplicity of their designs. The units consist of:
Mast
Adjustable and can be raised to the optimal viewing height of 11.5 to 12.5 feet (manually or pneumatic).
Steel Frame Base and Battery Bed
Portable with off-road tires and detachable trailer hitch.
Cameras
AI Triggered Smart Cameras, using infrared for nighttime viewing. Can be customized to include bi-spectral, thermal, PTZ and other options. Easily mountable to the pole.
Solar Panels
Multiple high-performance 300-watt solar panels supporting a long-run battery pack. (Optional gasoline or diesel generators are also available.)
Alarm Systems
121 decibel bullhorn talk-down speakers and floodlights and strobe lights. Easily mountable to pole.
A Security Solution to Fight Rising Crime Rates
Interest in these portable security systems has gone up because crime has gone up, and commercial property owners and managers in every state across America have had to up their security game to combat car and equipment theft, vandalism, and even acts of violence.
Hidden costs of crimes can be just as damaging to a company:
- Insurance: Thefts can lead to increased premiums and even cancellations if it's determined your site wasn't properly protected.
- Loss of Business: Construction sites suffer from downtime and damaged relationships with clients. Retail shops could see crime-wary customers take their business elsewhere.
- Litigation: If a crime happens on your property, it can lead to liability claims and even costly lawsuits.
Related Articles: The Real Cost of Construction Site Theft
Download our Security Checklist for tips on how to better safeguard your site.
Advantages of Using a Mobile Security Trailer
Beyond providing flexible and efficient security coverage, tower-based surveillance systems offer a host of benefits:
- Rapidly deployable. At Titan, we are able to deploy and install a system within a matter of days.
- Simple to set up. Mobile security trailer s can be installed by property owners or managers. Watch this video to see just how easy it is.
- Cost-Saving: MSTs offer a budget-friendly alternative to permanent installations and on-site security guards. (More on this below.) [link to drop down]
- Simple to relocate. you can move your portable towers based on your needs or current crime trends.
- Strong crime deterrent. The mere presence of a mobile video surveillance on your property sends a message that you take the security of your lot seriously.
- Cell-based monitoring. Mobile surveillance trailers don't require the internet, so there's no concern of ransomware attacks.
- They are energy efficient: Solar-powered options reduce energy costs and eliminate the need for an outside power source.
Related Article: How Mobile Surveillance Towers Can Extend Your Security Capabilities
Mobile Security Towers vs. Traditional CCTV Cameras and Guards
Often, property owners and managers rely on self-monitoring solutions to protect their property, but this option comes with limitations. The cons of self-monitoring solutions include:
- Lack of Professional Support. Property owners must purchase the equipment and when the alerts come—make the decision on their own how to respond.
- False Alerts. Traditional cameras can record incidents but can't tell the difference between motion and activity.
- Non-stop Alerts. Property owners or managers are responsible to monitor every alert, often coming in the middle of the night or while trying to perform daytime job duties.
- Improper Training. Having regular staff members guard a commercial property who is not professionally trained and licensed could lead to injuries or worse.
- Liability for Actions. Employing your own security staff means you are legally and financially responsible for their actions.
Related Article: Think a Construction Site CCTV Is Enough Protection? Think Again.
The Importance of Live Remote Monitoring
The main goal of any security system is to prevent a crime before it happens, and the optimal way to do that is with 24/7 surveillance by video analysts and dispatchers.
When renting or buying mobile security trailers, you want trained professionals watching over your property who know what to look for and know when to act. Here’s just one example of a tower-based surveillance system with live remote monitoring catching intruders in the act.
The benefits of live remote monitoring services include:
- Proactive, "always-on' surveillance. Monitors are ready to warn intruders with sirens, lights, sirens and talk-down speakers, or alert law enforcement when necessary.
- No false alarms. Only real activity is reported…and recorded.
- Cutting-edge surveillance technology. Professional services leverage the latest equipment and software, including A.I. and machine learning.
- Fast Response Rates. When analysts verify an incident in progress authorities treat it as an active crime scene.
- Project Management. Along with security coverage, live remote monitoring can serve as an invaluable management tool for construction projects, utility companies, and other industries.
Cost Savings of a Mobile Security Trailer
One of the key benefits of a mobile outdoor security tower is that it offers a host of cost-saving benefits:
- Reduced Installation Costs. Unlike traditional permanent systems, which require lots of mounting hardware and cabling, mobile security towers are easy to install and easy to move.
- Labor Savings. MSTs are far more affordable than the cost of having on-site security officers, especially if round-the-clock surveillance is required. On top of that, the mobile surveillance units are all-seeing, never sleep, never take holidays, and can be placed in areas that are hard for security guards to access.
- Lower Insurance Premiums. Mobile surveillance systems significantly reduce the chances that you'll be robbed, which in turn lowers your insurance premiums.
Related Article: Five Cost Saving Advantages of a Mobile Surveillance Trailer
Introducing Titan's Virtual Officer
Titan's Virtual Officer elevates the features and benefits of security towers, offering a cutting-edge solution that combines the latest in technological innovations with a highly skilled monitoring team that operates out of our U.S.-based, Five Diamond Certified command center.
Our highly effective security equipment includes:
- 121-decibel bullhorn talk down speakers
- Alarm systems and flashing lights
- Up to four smart IP cameras
- Adjustable masts
- Infrared range of 130 feet in darkness
- A.I. software, featuring analytics that can identify anomalies and potential threats in real-time
- 24/7 access, allowing you to check on your property anywhere, anytime
Virtual Officer Options and Deployment Considerations
Titan's Virtual Officer provides different security monitoring units, depending on your specific needs and budgets:
Sentry
A cost-effective solution only available through Titan!
- 40% less expensive than the standard solar-powered security trailers
- Ready to move, with castor wheels for easy mobility on or off trucks (no forklift necessary)
- Features manually adjustable masts, reaching 12 feet in height
- Easy to install
The Sentry is suitable for most areas where mobile security trailers are used, including:
- Commercial parking lots
- Construction sites
- Auto dealerships
- Transportation centers
- Marijuana dispensaries
Trailer
If significant mobility is required, trailer-mounted security cameras are ideal, built for movement and able to cover vast sites.
- Off-road tires able to handle rough terrain
- Pneumatic telescopic mast
- Can be quickly be hitched and moved as needed
Ideal for:
- Construction sites
- Agricultural sites
- Utility sites
- State fairs
Mounted
The most cost-effective of our Virtual Officer solutions, these camera systems are mounted to a building, wall, or pre-existing poles.
- Cabling to connect to power source
- Easily deployable
- Fewer components needed
- Battery backup option
Ideal for:
- Pre-owned car dealerships
- Convenience stores
- Gas stations
- ATMs
- Any site that has a power source
Should You Buy or Rent a Mobile Security Trailer
Once the decision is made to install a mobile guard trailer to safeguard your property, the next question to ask yourself is if it makes more fiscal sense to buy the new mobile security equipment or lease it? Some factors to consider include:
The Benefit of Leasing
- Usually comes with monitoring services
- Lower upfront cost
- Maintenance is free
- Flexible terms
The Benefits of Buying
- Ownership of unit
- Can save money long term
But
- Initial cost is high
- Repairs are not covered
Related Article: Should You Buy or Lease Your Mobile Surveillance System?
Get your free security consultation.
So, is a Mobile security trailer right for your business?
The portable aspect of a mobile security trailer makes it a great option for almost any business in need of fast and affordable security solutions.
Coupled with live remote monitoring by a professional agency, A mobile security tower can be just as effective in guarding commercial sites as fixed security systems without wires or trenching cable through the property. And the cost savings vs. using on-site security officers is dramatic.
So, is a mobile security trailer or tower right for your business? Contact Titan today and discover how our Virtual Officer service can and keep your business protected affordably and efficiently.