A company promoting security patrols in Lambeth and Byron is currently under investigation by the province because it lacks the required license according to Ontario law.
One licensed security operator describes this business model as frustrating and potentially risky for both employees and customers.
The unlicensed firm, named ABP Security, markets its service as a “community-funded overnight patrol initiative,” aiming to create a “stronger, safer Lambeth.”
Owner Zee Kadri charges $20 a month to check on homes in Lambeth during the night. He has also started advertising his services in Byron. Kadri claims he has around 25 clients, and if he witnesses a crime happening, he doesn’t attempt to confront or catch the person involved.
“I have a flashlight,” he stated. “It spooks them out. They get frightened and start running away.” When asked if he contacts the police, Kadri replied that he doesn’t because “they have better things to do.”
However, ABP Security operates without the necessary license as mandated by Ontario’s Private Security and Investigative Services Act.
According to this law, security firms must complete training courses along with criminal record checks and other prerequisites.
reached out to the Ministry of the Solicitor General for their response. They confirmed that ABP is not licensed but noted they couldn’t provide further details since it’s an ongoing investigation.
In an interview with , Kadri mentioned that he was inspired to start neighborhood night patrols after two of his vehicles were damaged during an early morning break-in.
“I reported it to police, showed them the security video of the incident and they said, ‘Contact your insurance company,'” shared Kadri, who was previously a swimming pool contractor before founding ABP in 2025.
This experience motivated him to begin patrolling neighborhoods himself in hopes of preventing future break-ins. “Now it’s full time,” he added.
This photo from ABP’s Facebook page shows one of the company’s patrol cars. (Facebook)
ABP’s Facebook page features posts looking for more drivers, customer reviews, and surveillance footage showing individuals moving through backyards.
Videos on both their website and Facebook page display official-looking patrol cars, including one that has a flashing light bar on top.
When questioned about licensing by , Kadri stated he was in the process of obtaining a license and expected it would be finalized “in a few days.”
Licensed Security Firm Calls for Action
Hofsep Yousef of Security Guard Group says unlicensed security companies are exposing their employees and clients to danger because they lack proper training. (Andrew Lupton/)
This situation has frustrated Hofsep Yousef, president of a licensed London-based company called Security Guard Group.
His firm has been operating since 2020 with 100 employees onboard. While Yousef doesn’t mind new entrants into the industry, he believes that operating without a license can pose risks for both workers and clients.
Security personnel often find themselves dealing with conflict situations where lack of training can lead to serious outcomes. p >
“We’re in the security industry; it’s bound to happen that you are going to get into conflict at some point,” said Yousef. “If something goes wrong on a client’s property, insurance will not cover any damages if you aren’t licensed.” p >
Security guards need to make quick decisions about when to engage someone suspicious versus when to call authorities-placing untrained staff in these situations is hazardous,” explained Yousef.
The province maintains an online database where people can search for licensed companies; legislation requires even advertising such services demands proper licensing.
Runaround Seeking Enforcement Action
After spotting ABP’s s, Yousef filed a complaint with Ontario’s Solicitor General ministry which oversees licensing for private investigators & security guards. The initial response told him contact OPP who supposedly enforce these rules. The OPP redirected him back towards London Police Service who then directed him once again towards city bylaws enforcement department.
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