SHORT-NOTICE SECURITY · CENTRAL LONDON

Unexpected gap?
Request security cover.

When a guard cannot attend, premises need checking or an alarm requires attendance, contact Standby Cover Security with the site address, postcode, required start time and duties. We check availability, safe access and the assignment before confirming a price and arrival arrangements. Dispatch and arrival times are not guaranteed.

Replacement guards and urgent staffing

Building, construction, warehouse and residential guarding starts at £30–£34 per operative/hour; retail, reception and door supervision £32–£36; event security £34–£38 with staffing and risk review. Four hours minimum. Hourly premiums apply, plus a one-off notice fee per operative: £100 under six hours, £30 at 6–under 24 hours, £15 at 24–under 48 hours and £0 at 48 hours or more.

Urgent property checks

£65–£85 for one officer and up to 30 minutes on site, including mobilisation. Intended for agreed checks and reporting, with authorised access. Longer attendance or ongoing guarding needs a separate quote.

Alarm attendance

£85–£110 for one officer and the first 60 minutes on site. Each agreed started additional 30 minutes costs £20–£25. Mobilisation is included, with no additional £100 hourly urgency fee. Keys, alarm instructions, authorised contacts and safe entry arrangements must be agreed. Alarm repair and forced entry are not included.

Planned patrols

Scheduled mobile patrols cost £35–£45 per visit for up to 20 minutes on site, subject to route acceptance. Read about mobile patrols.

Charges and coverage

Visit and callout rates include nights and weekends; bank holidays add 50%, including alarm extension blocks. Christmas/New Year peak dates require a tailored quote. Prices are service subtotals with no VAT. Necessary vehicle or parking costs are confirmed separately, not automatically charged because of your postcode.

Our service area remains Central London: W1, WC1–WC2, EC1–EC4, SW1, SE1 and N1. Share your full site postcode to confirm eligibility. See the full pricing rules and inclusions.

What to send us

Site address and postcode, requested start and end, number of officers, required duties, access arrangements and a site contact. Do not send keys, access codes or sensitive personal information in an initial enquiry. We agree staffing, scope, arrival, price and booking terms in writing.

This is a private security service. If there is immediate danger or an emergency, call 999.