Holiday Surges and Heightened Security Risks
The holiday season is the busiest, and riskiest, time of year for manufacturing and distribution centers. With inventory overloads, extended operating hours and rapid hiring of temporary staff, facilities become prime targets for theft. For logistics and operations managers, the holiday season brings both opportunity and increased risk.
Distribution centers are under immense pressure to process larger volumes of inventory while hiring and training hundreds of temporary employees in compressed timeframes. At the same time, organized retail crime and opportunistic theft surge during this period. According to Verisk CargoNet, reported cargo theft activity reached record levels in 2024, with 3,625 reported incidents, marking a 27% increase compared to 2023. Their annual analysis also found that the average value per theft climbed to $202,364, up from $187,895 in 2023.
As organized retail crime evolves and theft methods grow more sophisticated, distribution centers can no longer rely on single-layer security solutions. The key is adopting a multi-layered, holistic strategy that integrates trained personnel, off-duty law enforcement, security guards, advanced technology and proactive surge planning.
Protos Security specializes in delivering these comprehensive solutions, helping logistics leaders protect assets, mitigate risks and maintain operational continuity, especially during seasonal peaks.
Building a Multi-Layered Security Framework
At Protos, we approach distribution center protection through a multi-layer strategy designed to reduce theft, manage internal risks and streamline operations. Preparation starts well before the holiday rush. A comprehensive security assessment helps identify vulnerabilities and align resources for high-volume periods.
This involves:
- Reviewing existing policies and post orders to ensure alignment with seasonal requirements.
- Confirming guard and off-duty staffing plans early to avoid shortages.
- Protos works directly with vendors to coordinate communication and scheduling for clients, eliminating the hassle of tracking details and ensuring compliance.
By realigning security standards in advance, distribution center leaders avoid being caught off guard when volumes spike. Planning ahead also ensures consistent checkpoints, tighter controls and stronger risk management during the busiest time of year.
Perimeter and Yard Security
The facility perimeter serves as the first line of defense, and during the holidays, it becomes a particularly high-risk zone. Common vulnerabilities such as inadequate fencing, poor lighting and unmonitored access points can create opportunities for theft and unauthorized entry. To address these risks, Protos recommends adopting a layered security strategy designed to strengthen external protections and deter potential threats.
Integrating remote video monitoring for extended dark hours and less-trafficked yard zones further enhances visibility and response capabilities. These measures make it significantly harder for organized theft groups to exploit unsecured outdoor spaces, helping facilities avoid substantial financial losses and reputational damage.
Dock and Door Controls
Loading docks are among the highest risk areas during holiday surges due to increased shipment volume and fluctuating staff levels. Protos recommends tightening security protocols around docks and doors to prevent unauthorized access and reduce product loss:
- Enforce seal verification and photo documentation for inbound and outbound trailers.
- Establish one-way flow paths to better control driver and employee movements.
- Schedule staggered entry times to prevent overcrowding and ensure more thorough access checks.
By adding these controls, distribution centers create friction for potential thieves and reduce the opportunity for internal and external theft.
How to Prevent Employee Theft in Warehouses
Employee theft remains one of the most overlooked risks in distribution centers, especially during the holiday surge when facilities rely heavily on seasonal hires. With accelerated onboarding timelines and fluctuating staff levels, vulnerabilities can increase significantly if security protocols aren’t well-defined and enforced.
To mitigate these risks and strengthen pilferage prevention strategies, Protos recommends the following:
Clear Security Policies
Reinforce company values, expectations and disciplinary actions through consistent training.
Controlled Access Points
Limit access to high-value inventory zones and maintain strict badge and log-in procedures.
Remote Video Monitoring
Deter internal theft and quickly identify suspicious behavior through centralized surveillance.
By proactively addressing internal risks alongside external threats, distribution centers can reduce losses, protect their reputation and maintain operational continuity during peak periods.
Security Guards and Off-Duty Law Enforcement
One of the most effective ways to secure distribution centers is by combining professional security officers with off-duty law enforcement.
Security officers handle daily responsibilities such as managing access points, conducting patrols and monitoring compliance with security procedures. Off-duty law enforcement provide a heightened level of authority, deterrence and rapid response, especially valuable during high-volume holiday operations or when transporting high-value inventory.
Protos provides a nationwide network of both, delivering:
Scalable solutions for armed and unarmed guarding.
24/7 dispatch support and oversight through integrated technology platforms.
An innovative client portal for scheduling, reporting and confirming post coverage in real-time.
Rapid deployment capabilities to handle unplanned staffing needs and emergencies.
Remote Video Monitoring Strengthening Distribution Center Security
Remote video monitoring offers a powerful layer of protection that goes beyond physical presence. Protos’ remote video monitoring offers cutting-edge surveillance technology with a dedicated team of remote video guards to deliver dynamic, real-time visibility across any device.
For distribution centers, where high-value inventory and high-volume operations converge, remote video monitoring provides an essential layer of security that goes beyond traditional on-site measures. Protos’ remote video monitoring services combine advanced surveillance technology with professional monitoring to deliver 24/7 visibility and rapid response capabilities, helping distribution centers protect assets, people and operations.
Schedule Your Free Security Assessment Today
Protect your distribution centers with Protos’ logistics security solutions. Our security experts build multi-layered strategies to protect your business during the busiest time of year.
Planning Surge Staffing for Peak Season
One of the biggest risks distribution center operators face during peak periods is staffing shortages. The increased demand for qualified security personnel, combined with last-minute scheduling changes, can leave facilities vulnerable. Protos addresses this challenge with a nationwide vendor network and 24/7 dispatch center capable of mobilizing personnel on short notice.
By coordinating staffing plans well before seasonal surges, Protos ensures facilities remain fully covered and prepared for demand spikes. Early planning also reduces last-minute premium rates, minimizes disruptions and improves service consistency during critical periods.
Securing High-Value Transport
For distribution centers managing high-value shipments including electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and specialty products, the stakes are exceptionally high. Organized cargo theft groups are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with an average stolen shipment value of over $200,000 (Verisk).
These risks demand a proactive, multi-layered approach to safeguard assets in transit.
Protos specializes in high-value transport services, offering end-to-end protection for critical shipments from origin to destination. Leveraging a nationwide network of vetted security personnel and integrated technology platforms, Protos ensures every movement is closely monitored and meticulously documented to reduce vulnerabilities throughout the supply chain.
Take the First Step Toward a Safer Peak Season
As distribution centers prepare for the busiest time of the year, having a proactive, multi-layered security strategy isn’t optional, it’s essential. By combining skilled security officers, off-duty law enforcement and technology, Protos helps protect your people, property and products when stakes are highest.
With a nationwide network and proven expertise in securing high-volume facilities, we provide the tools and resources you need to stay ahead of evolving threats and minimize costly disruptions.
Avoid last-minute surge rates and resource shortages by securing your assessment now.
Schedule your free holiday security assessment with Protos Security and ensure your distribution centers are fully prepared for a safe, efficient and successful peak season.
