Security services industry in the United Kingdom - statistics & facts

The security services industry is defined by a group of organizations, entities and individuals in both public and private sectors that provide security and security-related products and/or services, whether for commercial or non-commercial reasons. The industry has shown signs of a significant comeback since the end of measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 that included lockdowns and social distancing, as approximately 10,335 security and investigation activities enterprises were registered in the United Kingdom in 2023. Furthermore, the number of people employed in elementary security occupations increased by roughly 30,000 between 2021 and 2023.

Rising crime rates mean higher demand for security services

As police recorded crime offences have risen significantly since 2013 in the United Kingdom, so too have instances of violent crime. These statistics have seemingly not gone unnoticed by those that may be left vulnerable in compromising situations, as many have taken measures into their own hands by acquiring security services. The estimated number of security guards in the United Kingdom grew by 18,000 between 2021 and 2023, with the number of police officers also increasing by 11,000 in the same period of time.

Preventative measures

When it comes to security measures taken to protect one's household, business, and belongings in the United Kingdom, instances of crime and the measures taken by the security services industry to prevent theft look considerably more favorable. The number of police recorded burglary offences have been on a downward spiral since 2003 as top security companies have focused on strategic property protection through measures such as manned security services and installing complete security systems. AlliedUniversal, for instance, well-known for these types of activities, had the second largest annual turnover of security companies in the United Kingdom in 2023.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Jan 31, 2024

Key insights

Highest grossing security company in the UK
Mitie Total Security Managemenet
Number of people employed in elementary security operations in the UK
262,800
Number of security guards in the UK
160,100
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Share of security guards in the United States from 2020 to 2023, by gender

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