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A Guide to vacant property security

A Guide to vacant property security

A common headache for owners of multiple properties is what to do with a site that becomes vacant for a prolonged period of time. A property that sits unoccupied, whether commercial or residential, is very likely to become the target of criminals, and therefore strong consideration should be given to methods of security.

Your first steps

First of all, there are many common sense steps that you can take that will help to reduce the threat level against your property. These include actions like developing strong ties with your neighbours or nearby businesses, emptying bins and mailboxes frequently and keeping your property in as good a state of repair as you can reasonably manage.

Broken windows theory

Vacant properties are often the target of crimes like vandalism and trespass. However, a property that is well maintained and looked after, is going to present questions to a would-be vandal. They may consider the general physical environment of a property and deduce that the site is visited frequently and therefore they may be caught committing their crime.

Indeed, the broken windows theory – first proposed by the late criminologist James Q. Wilson in 1982 – states that visible signs of crime and disorder create an environment that actually escalates crime levels. So, by looking after the exterior of your property, and quickly fixing any minor issues, you can in theory lessen the chances of criminals targeting your property.

However, while this theory may play a part in reducing petty crimes like graffiti and minor vandalism, more often than not, more serious steps need to be considered.

Stepping up your security

Whether facing off vandals, trespassers or even arsonists – owners of vacant properties need to think carefully about their current security arrangements and the message they might be sending out to would-be criminals.

Your first step should be to work with a trusted perimeter security provider that has specialist knowledge in this field. Many operators will provide you with a one-size fits all approach, but you should be sure to ask for a risk assessment instead.

Risk assessments for vacant properties

By taking the time to prepare a risk assessment, you can be confident that your chosen company has given proper thought to the nature of your property and how it might need to be protected.

The results of this survey will be a series of recommendations as to means and methods of preventing unwanted visitors from accessing your site.

Every site is different, but this may include suggestions such as installing heavy-duty gates or barriers to make access by foot or vehicle difficult.

It might suggest restricting specific areas of your site through access control equipment, or automated technology that requires credentials like fobs and key codes to gain access.

Equally, it might suggest more general recommendations such as installing lighting in dimly lit areas, turning off access to utilities, or applying anti-climb paint to warn off trespassers.

Reach out today

If you own a property that is currently unoccupied or is likely to be in the future, then now is the time to reach out and explore your options.

Here at Gateway Automation we regularly assess properties for risk making sure that they are adequately secured and recommending any ways that we think security could be improved. Call us today on 01522 682 255 to discuss how we can help to keep you safe.

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How to Secure Vacant Properties

vacant properties

Vacant properties can be like a moth to a flame when it comes to attracting criminal activity. Almost every city and town in the UK has unoccupied premises that have been blighted by vandalism, flytipping, and other nuisances. However, these crimes can often snowball – leading to serious criminal damage, theft of materials, and even arson. With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the ways you can safeguard an empty property.

How to secure a property that is only vacant for a short period

Properties can become vacant for many reasons. While some may be awaiting sale for a long period, others may be simply closed for a short amount of time – such as for refurbishment.

When any property closes its doors, this typically results in less footfall around the site, which means a greater risk/reward ratio for would-be criminals as they are less likely to be caught in the act.

An easy way to avoid unwanted attention is to make it appear as if your site is occupied when it isn’t. This might be a case of using security or triggered lighting, making regular trips to your site, or avoiding posting information online about your closure.

How to secure a property that is vacant for a longer amount of time

For properties that are out of use for a longer amount of time – it pays to think carefully about your security planning and to keep up appearances.

Keeping your property well maintained by cutting grass and clearing away debris, and making regular visits to deal with postage are simple strategies that you can employ. You should also turn off gas, electric, and water supplies that could be abused by trespassers.

However, for most long-term vacancies, it pays to secure your boundaries in the strongest way possible. You can use anti-climb paint to warn of intruders, and install heavy-duty gates or barriers that make site access difficult both on foot or in a vehicle.

Criminal gangs have been known to target empty properties for theft of scrap metal and other precious materials. However, these gangs will rarely approach on foot, and as such restricting vehicular access should be high on your agenda. You can achieve this through tools like road blockers, as well as heavy-duty gates and barriers.

If you own a property that could become vacant soon then security planning should be high on your agenda. Here at Gateway Automation we regularly assess properties for risk making sure that they are adequately secured and recommending any ways that we think security could be improved. Call us today on 01522 682 255 to discuss how we can help to keep you safe

 

/ By Gateway Team / access control equipment • arson attacks • barriers • business security • commercial property • gates • vacant properties • vacant property security/ 0 Comments

Securing Empty Property- Commercial Space

Shop to letSecuring empty property can often feel like a waste of money. There’s nothing inside to steal. However, leaving a commercial property vacant for any length of time can be risky. Whether you are having the property renovated or waiting for new occupants, there are some common risks and security measures that you should be aware of.

Here is our guide to securing empty property to ensure your investment remains secure.

1. Reduce Theft

Theft is a main threat for any commercial building left unoccupied. Even if you believe there is nothing to take as the building is empty, there are still many valuable items that thieves tend to target from commercial buildings. Stealing metal-based items for scrap is popular with thieves as lead from roofs, aluminium from heating ducts or copper from wiring can be valuable. Even radiators are regularly stolen as they are often easy to remove from the wall and can be sold on for a good price. Opportunist thieves will not be deterred by a building with little content.

It is not just the stolen materials that commercial property owners need to be concerned about. The theft of these items can lead to damage of the building which will lead to additional costs and potentially more severe issues in the future. For example, removing piping and radiators can lead to leaks, water damage or even pest problems whereas removing the lead from roofs can leave holes in the roof which again could lead to water damage or weather damage. Anything removed from the electrics will also increase the risk of gas leaks or risk of fire.

Although the level of metal theft is decreasing due to legislation updates making it more difficult to sell on metal, it is still a real concern property owners need to be aware of when securing empty property.

2. Stop Arson

Arson is dangerous as not only can it cause significant damage to your property, it can lead to others getting injured as well, especially if there are flammable materials still in the building. It can also quickly spread to surrounding properties and impact other businesses.

If a fire broke out and somebody was injured there may be an investigation into the landlord’s negligence.
Fire should be a concern for any owner looking into securing their empty property.

3. Stop Anti-Social Behaviour

Individuals sometimes break into vacant properties in order to deliberately vandalise the building through graffiti. Although it is relatively easy and cheap to remove it, it doesn’t give off a good image and can lead to other forms of antisocial behaviour. It can also encourage more people to graffiti if some is already visible as it shows that the building is accessible.

Unfortunately, empty commercial buildings can tempt people to use them for a range of anti-social behaviours. From drug use to a temporary toilet, fly-tipping or even dogfighting, the list goes on. Activities like these can quickly cause damage to your property but also impact the surrounding environment and buildings. It can even lead to significant health hazards that you need to be conscious of. Although it is not you that has caused any mess, you will be liable to ensure it is cleaned.

4. Puts an End to Squatting

The law changed in 2012 for squatters of residential properties which made squatting illegal. However, the same rules do not apply for commercial properties. Squatters are defined as people who occupy a property without permission. It remains illegal for people to break into a building, however, if squatters have managed to access the vacant building without causing damage to do so, you will be faced with an even bigger problem. Police can only intervene if damage has occurred.

It is possible to get squatters evicted; however, the process is time-consuming and expensive. In order for it to be done, you would have to go through the civil court system, not the criminal court. This process can be extremely drawn out. During this time, the squatters could be causing damage to your property.

Also consider the land around your property. Illegal occupation can also apply to any land that you own. Some business owners have found travellers on their property.

5. Attract New Business

Having a well-secured commercial property improves the professional appearance. High-security levels can lead to a higher interest in your property. Having a property with broken windows, clear structural damage or graffiti will deter potential tenants.

6. Switch Off Your Utilities

Protect your business by removing anything of potential value. Switch off your gas, electricity and water when the property becomes vacant. This can limit the risk of fires or leaks. Also, prevent access through doors, windows and roofs using boarding. Consider having physical security patrol the building as well as gates and barriers. The more deterrents you implement the better. Plus, having physical security measures as well as CCTV can make a vacant building appear occupied which will be a physical deterrent.

7. Secure all Entry Points to Your Building

To reduce the risk of arson consider boarding up the building with steel screens rather than timber boarding which is flammable.

As a commercial property owner, you have a Duty of Care for anyone entering your property, regardless if you invited them or not. Any injury a person may incur whilst on your property will be your responsibility and increase your liability.
Be proactive as much as possible. Assessing your situation and gain specialist advice.

8. Consider Installing Access Control Systems as an Added Layer of Security

Undertake a health and safety and risk inspection by a professional to gain a full understanding of the risks you need to avoid. Inspect your property on a regular basis. Insurance companies will often want you to check your property at least once a week.

9. Use Perimeter Security around your Plot of Land

Ensure unauthorised vehicles do not access your land by implementing flow plates, barriers or bollards.

Although there will be a cost to protecting an securing empty property, the potential cost saving could be significant. It also gives you the peace of mind that your investment remains as secure as possible at all times.

To find out more about how to protect empty commercial property with physical security, please contact us on 01522 682255 for a free, no-obligation quotation and feasibility survey to assess your perimeter security equipment.

/ By Gateway Team / commercial property • empty property security • vacant properties • vacant property security/ 0 Comments

Secure your vacant commercial property before it’s too late

secure your vacant commercial property before its too lateAs 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.