As the owner of a commercial property you are likely to find at some point that your property becomes vacant for a period of time. During this timeframe you need to be completely sure that the site is protected from external threats – of which there are many. Here are some of the top risks posed to businesses while a property is vacant and a few tips on how to neutralise those threats.
Urban exploration
Along with the rise of social media and video networking sites like YouTube has come a rise in the practice of urban exploration. This is where people visit abandoned or vacant sites and photograph them to share with other people. While much of this practice is innocent and hobbyists encourage each other to practice sensible exploration there are still dangers posed to the owners of those sites. Not only can those people risk their health and accidentally damage fixtures and fittings, but they can also attract unwanted attention from gangs and criminals looking to take advantage of those sites for their own purposes.
Vandalism
Another key risk to abandoned sites is that of vandalism. Whether perpetrated by skilled graffiti artists or mindless vandals – the end result remains the same – damaged property that the owner of the site will at some point have to pay to rectify. Unsecured commercial sites are key targets for vandals.
Squatting
With a rise in homelessness in recent years, squatting is once again back on the agenda of security concerns for owners of vacant commercial buildings. Many buildings across the UK have become shelter for groups of vulnerable people with nowhere else to go. However, this comes at a cost to the owners of these sites who must endure sometimes difficult legal processes to move them on and are left to pay for any damage they leave behind.
Arson
One of the most serious and severe dangers that owners of empty commercial buildings face is that of arson. Out of all the risks to a property this is perhaps the most devastating and can lead to huge damage and financial losses as a result. Without proper perimeter security there is nothing preventing an arsonist from choosing to target your property.
Fly tipping
Fly tipping is infuriating for land owners. Not only does it look unpleasant, but it can also cause harm to property and local wildlife. It also incurs heavy costs in both time and money to the owners of the property who are left to clean it up. An isolated and unsecured property is an easy target for rubbish dumpers who want to ensure they are not caught in the act.
What to do?
There are plenty of different methods for securing a vacant property from these types of threats. Strong perimeter security tools such as gates and barriers are however an important place to start.
No matter the size or nature of your businesses or site, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your security requirements. For more information on any of the security options above, or for further advice on how to protect your business premises from criminals, please contact us here or call us on 01522 682 255.
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