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How Risk Intelligence Helped Prevent Major Business Disruption
In today’s rapidly evolving threat environment, organisations face an increasing range of risks that can affect operations, reputation and business continuity. Effective risk intelligence helps organisations identify emerging threats early and take proactive steps to strengthen resilience before incidents occur.
Identifying an Emerging Threat
In 2022, analysts within Securitas’ Risk Intelligence Centre (RIC) were preparing a routine risk intelligence report designed to provide clients with enhanced awareness of global events and emerging risks.
During their analysis, the team identified a developing threat targeting one of Securitas’ guarding clients, a multinational manufacturing organisation operating a global supply chain. Intelligence indicated that organised protest activity was being planned with the intention of disrupting processing and distribution centres and preventing the movement of perishable goods. The potential consequences included operational disruption, compliance challenges and reputational damage across multiple markets.
It is important to recognise that peaceful protest is a fundamental legal and human right in many countries. However, risks can arise when protest activity escalates into disruptive or unlawful actions such as trespassing, criminal damage, harassment or interference with business operations. These were the specific risks highlighted by the intelligence assessment.
Although the client was not yet subscribed to Securitas’ risk intelligence services, the significance of the threat prompted immediate action. RIC analysts contacted the account team and recommended proactive measures to help safeguard the client’s operations. The client subsequently invited the analysts to present their findings and explain the nature, source and potential impact of the threat.
Supporting a Rapid and Effective Response
During discussions, the client’s security manager revealed that the organisation had experienced a similar incident only two months earlier, resulting in losses of approximately £1.2 million due to supply chain disruption.
Recognising the seriousness of the threat, the organisation escalated the matter internally, involving its operations, legal, communications and brand management teams.
Using the intelligence provided by the RIC, the company implemented a coordinated response that included:
- Informing customers and suppliers of the potential disruption.
- Strengthening security and resilience measures at key sites.
- Enhancing preparedness based on the identified threat profile.
- Engaging specialist legal advisers to support preventative action.
The legal team presented the intelligence findings to the High Court in London. When asked for evidence demonstrating the likelihood of disruptive activity, the organisation provided the RIC intelligence report, which detailed the anticipated risks and supporting analysis.
Following its review, the High Court issued an injunction preventing members of the protest group from trespassing on the client’s property.
Reducing Risk Through Preparedness
While intelligence alone cannot prevent incidents from occurring, it can enable organisations to prepare effectively and reduce potential impacts.
Armed with advanced warning, the client increased security measures around the dates identified by the RIC. Additional protective measures, including enhanced guarding and dynamic mobile patrols, were deployed to support site security and operational continuity.
With improved preparedness, increased security presence and legal protections in place, the organisation was significantly better positioned to manage the threat and reduce potential disruption.
The proactive measures helped minimise potential financial losses, reduce operational risks and protect the organisation’s reputation and brand.
The Value of a Proactive Security Strategy
The incident reinforced the importance of combining intelligence-led security with continuous risk monitoring. Following the event, the client subscribed to ongoing Risk Intelligence Centre services, enabling continuous monitoring of potential threats and emerging risks.
This enhanced visibility has since helped identify and assess a range of other issues, including potential insider threats and reputational risks.
As organisations navigate an increasingly complex global environment, proactive risk intelligence plays an essential role in strengthening security and resilience. Continuous monitoring, expert analysis and timely reporting provide organisations with the insights needed to anticipate threats, make informed decisions and respond effectively to changing circumstances.
Staying Ahead of Emerging Risks
Regardless of size, industry or sector, every organisation can benefit from a proactive approach to risk management supported by intelligence. By identifying threats early and providing actionable insights, intelligence services help organisations reduce uncertainty, protect critical assets and strengthen business continuity.
At Securitas, risk intelligence helps organisations anticipate, assess and respond to emerging challenges, enabling better decision-making and more effective protection of people, operations and reputation.