It might have missed many people's eyes but when keyworkers were singled out by Government but security officers were among the list.

As firms went on ice in the hours following the lockdown imposed by Government to help negate the spread of the COVID-19 virus the phones at good security firms starting ringing.

Gloucester-based Glevum Security was ready and has also had to adapt as customers who previously only wanted their property and assets kept watch over out of hours, now needed more comprehensive reassurance.

"It has been super busy," said Steve Barnett, who runs the firm with business partner Mark Baker.

"But we have been doing this a long time and know company's will have enough on their plate without having to worry about whether their property is safe and secure or whether their premises have any issues.

"When we are through this, and I am optimistic we will get through, they will want to get back to business, welcoming their staff back. They don't want to come back to the office and find what started as a leaking tap has now caused another headache with thousands of pounds of damage that holds the whole workforce up.

"We don't just hold keys for firms and carry out patrol's checking buildings. We have also had to redeploy staff to work shift work on-site. We are completing Vacant Property Inspections (VPI) for customers, to make sure at least with this aspect of their business they have peace of mind."

VPI checks ensure no break-ins have taken place, windows have not been left open, taps left on, heating left on clocking up an unnecessary bills, burst pipes, post is not mounting up etc. The list goes on.

And then there is Glevum's control centre with its bank of CCTV Screens from where it monitors cameras on buildings, premises and property county-wide, which alert it to any issues and allow it to direct staff accordingly.

Glevum Security's clients include blue chip firms from across the sectors, but all of them get the same attention to detail and care.

Discretion meant Mr Barnett was never going to tell us the names of any clients of the Quedgeley-based firm, although pride got the better of him with one in particular - and you could understand why in the current circumstances.

"We carry out locks and unlocks at certain NHS premises and provide them with alarm response services and other security needs, for what is the 'Real Front-Line Service'," he said.

He did not want us to go big on how in-demand the firm has become, other than to say it was busy seven days a week, 24-seven. Some may have tried to raise prices, Glevum Security is not one of them.

"This is not a sales pitch," he stressed. He was bringing up the increase in demand for the service to tee-up a compliment for his staff.

"We might be keyworkers but have no magic wand against this virus. In that respect we are just like everyone else," said Mr Barnett.

"But our staff have embraced the Government guidelines and are going over and above what we could ask to deliver. They are professional people, of course, but they are facing this like everyone else and they have simply adapted and got on with it and I could not praise them enough.

"Our main role is the protection of staff and premises. If we get that right we give customer confidence that they will be able to go back to work, open the door, and simply get on with what they do and Gloucestershire can get moving again. If we do that, we have done our job."

Glevum Security is based at Waterwells Business Park, Davy Way, Quedgeley. To find out more visit www.glevum-security.co.uk.