Why a Parked Security Vehicle Could Have Prevented the Gordon Avenue Arson Attack
In the early hours of Thursday morning, a major fire broke out at a commercial repair facility on Gordon Avenue, Geelong West. Firefighters responded swiftly after receiving reports of the blaze around 5:35 a.m., finding the building—approximately 30 metres by 12 metres—fully alight.
Within 35 minutes, the fire was brought under control. Roads were shut down, a smoke warning was issued to nearby residents, and multiple emergency services were called to the scene. Thankfully, there were no injuries. But what wasn’t avoided was significant damage to the premises—a devastating blow to the business involved.
Here’s what makes this incident even more frustrating: our security guard, stationed on-site at Gordon Avenue, had been instructed to leave just 30 minutes before the attack occurred. The client, looking to cut down on costs, opted to end the shift early—leaving the site unprotected during a critical window.
A Costly Mistake: Choosing Savings Over Security
Arson is not random. These attacks are often targeted, premeditated, and opportunistic. Criminals wait for a gap in protection. In this case, that gap was just 30 minutes long—but it was enough.
Had our security vehicle remained out front, visibly stationed with its live-feed dash cams and perimeter lights, there’s every chance the attack would have been deterred—or at least recorded with evidence that could be used in a criminal case.
Instead, the business now faces tens (if not hundreds) of thousands in fire damage, potential insurance complications, downtime, and the emotional strain of recovery—all for the sake of saving on a couple of hours of security.
The Power of a Parked, Fitted-Out Security Vehicle
When people think about site protection, they usually imagine roaming guards or CCTV mounted on buildings. But the humble stationary security vehicle is one of the most powerful and underestimated deterrents in the industry.
Our vehicles are:
- Highly visible, making would-be offenders think twice
- Equipped with IP cameras and dash cams, recording activity 24/7
- Connected to remote monitoring, so other guards or control rooms can respond instantly
- A beacon of presence, even when the guard isn’t physically on foot patrol
Even if a security guard is on a break, resting inside the vehicle, or parked nearby while handling a report, the vehicle itself is an active tool of surveillance.
The Message: Don’t Cut Corners on Safety
We understand budgets are tight. But in high-risk industries—like automotive repairs, construction, warehousing, or commercial storage—leaving your site exposed is a gamble you can’t afford to take.
If you’re operating in a known risk zone, or your business has previously been targeted (or even just located near recent activity), extending a guard’s shift by an hour or two can be the difference between peace of mind and a news headline.
What We Recommend
- Never send guards home early in the pre-dawn hours. Criminals operate under cover of darkness—and just before sunrise is often when they strike.
- Always pair on-site guards with a fully-equipped security vehicle, especially in industrial and commercial zones.
- Don’t treat security as a checkbox. Treat it as a shield.
Let Us Help You Stay Protected
We’ve been in the business long enough to see how these situations unfold. We’ve prevented countless incidents just by being visible. And we’ve responded to far too many calls that started with, “If only the guard had stayed longer…”
Let Gordon Avenue be a wake-up call. Don’t gamble with your livelihood. Invest in proper, professional, and consistent protection.
If you’re unsure how to best protect your business, we’re happy to talk through your site, your risks, and your budget. A solution is always better than regret.
