Mobile security patrol service
Patrol local shops, units and building sites after hours and check alarms for businesses in your area.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A marked vehicle does scheduled drive-by and on-foot checks of commercial premises, building sites and sometimes homes, with reports sent to the client. Many owners add alarm response and lock-up or unlock services.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's security licensing body for the individual licence and the business or master licence you would need, and the training required
- Get quotes for public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and price a signed vehicle and basic kit
- Approach shops, strata managers and builders in one suburb with a simple patrol package and trial period
Who pays
Shop owners, industrial estates, strata managers, builders, farms and small businesses worried about break-ins.
How it makes money
Monthly contract per site for a set number of patrols, plus extra fees for alarm call-outs, lock-ups and one-off jobs.
Skills that help
- Reliable and alert, comfortable working nights
- Calm under pressure and good at writing clear reports
- Route planning and customer service
Watch out for
- Security licences are set by each state or territory, so check what applies to you and your staff
- Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
- Night work and confrontation risks, so plan safety procedures and check-in routines
- Clients may expect fast response, so don't over-promise coverage across a wide area
- Rules on patrol vehicles, signage and recording may apply, check with your licensing body and local council
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile security patrol business?
Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your vehicle, equipment, insurance and licensing costs. Check what licences apply to you and any staff in your state or territory before budgeting.
How much can a mobile security patrol earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many clients you sign, the number of patrols and any alarm response or lock-up services. These are revenue estimates before vehicle, insurance and wage costs.
Do I need a licence to run a security patrol in Australia?
Security licences are set by each state or territory, so check what applies to you and your staff. Also check public liability insurance, workers compensation once you hire, and rules on patrol vehicles, signage and recording with your licensing body and council.
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