Umair Abid

Security Officer

For Umair Abid, working in security is a role that demands constant vigilance. From the moment his shift begins, he knows he must be completely present.

He believes there is no room for distractions on the job, especially not looking down at a phone. Every person who walks by is someone he needs to observe, which means being fully aware of his surroundings at all times.

“To be a good security officer, you need to stay very active and punctual. Focus is key—you can’t be distracted, like using your phone. You have to keep your eyes and ears sharp, paying close attention to everything around you.”

He further adds:

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between customers and those who might cause trouble, so you need to be highly observant and sensitive. Recognising who is a genuine shopper and who could be a shoplifter is a skill that takes practice.”

Umair notes that the hardest part of the job is often the most subtle. Developing that sensitivity to people’s behaviour and body language takes time. He has learned to trust his instincts and rely on the skills he has built up through experience.

Umair’s takeaway? Stay focused and trust your training. The more you practice observing people, the better you’ll become at spotting trouble before it happens.

Published date: December 20, 2025