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[show]Having grown by 16% since 2019, vacant property has been growing within the UK, but so have all the risks due to their vulnerabilities. Find out the security measures you can take to protect your vacant property below.
Vacant property is one of the highest-risk property types and therefore security is considered extremely necessary to ensure safety and protection, and to prevent any negative impacts on you.
What Security Risks Do Vacant Properties Face?
There are several security risks that vacant properties fall vulnerable to:
- Theft and vandalism
- Trespassing
- Squatting
- Higher chance of fires and arson
- Environmental damage
- Anti-social behaviour
Whether it be commercial, residential or industrial property, vacancy of any property increases the security risks associated with them.
Why is Security Important for Vacant Property?
The increased security risks are just the tip of the iceberg relating to vacant property.
Due to the specific security risks such as graffiti, property damage, and squatting, property owners and managers can be left with the bill created through this. Along with the general vacant property costs like maintenance, insurance, council tax and potential utility bill expenses, the additional costs can be expensive.
Graffiti removal alone can cost between £7 to £16 per square metre, and with around 750,000 vacant buildings in the UK vandalised every year according to the Office of National Statistics, these expenses can add up.
Costs can also be found through injuries of any squatters or trespassers. You may not think that the financial implications can fall on you as the property is vacant and therefore there are no occupants in which you are responsible for, however, you could be liable.
Property owners and managers have a duty of care to ensure safety on a property, including with vacant properties. This means that if a squatter or trespasser injures themselves whilst on the property or within its boundaries, you could be held responsible for this.
With this, costs surrounding compensation, amendments to improve the safety of property, and increased insurance premiums may all fall on your doorstep.
Risks can often be forgotten as they are yet to happen, however, the consequences of such events happening is not worth waiting for.
The Best Security Measures to Implement With Your Vacant Property
For vacant property, simple security measures can improve the protection of your property more than you think, but part of the problem can be understanding where to start.
Below walks you through best security measures you can take to protect your vacant property from any potential risks:
Create a Clear Crime Deterrence
Due to lack of occupancy with vacant properties, crime deterrence is one of the best methods of defence as this can be completed remotely, with no need for physical human presence.
CCTV systems such as our Solar Fuel Cell Towers and Smart Towers provide clear criminal deterrence with their design, whilst monitoring the vacant property or building. This provides a cost-effective method in comparison to security guards or in combining security methods.
The bright yellow design and up to 7m in height, it removes that cover that criminals take the opportunity of and helps to prevent any activity taking place. It creates awareness that they are being watched.
Regular Vacant Property Inspections and Visits
The property may be vacant, however, regular inspections and visits to the property can provide a façade of occupancy, particularly for residential property.
With all vacant property types, regular checks are required for multiple reasons. The three main reasons being to inspect for any damage or deterioration of the building, to create a crime deterrence and support with insurance.
Unlike with occupied property, it is unlikely you will be at the property everyday, however, this does not mean you should not make any visits at all. You should plan regular visits to ensure the property is maintained, can manage any damage to the property, and check for any signs of trespassing and squatting.
Regular visits can help create crime deterrence too as it displays that the property is checked on often and is less likely to be targeted due to this. Many insurers will also require weekly or fortnightly inspections as part of the policy.
Install Strong Lighting Sources
Darker nights create a sense of cover for criminals to take advantage of, especially at midnight where crime in general tends to spike.
Simply implementing strong security lighting around the external perimeter of the vacant property or building removes that protection for them. This is specifically beneficial for residential property types as it helps those individuals surrounding it to identify and report suspicious activity.
This is a low cost security measure that can be implemented easily and immediately, but can bring surprising benefits to your vacant property’s security.
Implement CCTV Monitoring
By utilising a CCTV system that monitors your vacant property it will help with both criminal deterrence and gathering evidence to seek criminal prosecutions and financial compensation.
As properties are normally only vacant short-term or for a certain period of time, traditional CCTV systems where you need to buy the cameras may not be suitable. Whereas options such as our Redeployable Cameras or CCTV Towers provide rental contracts that work better for this property type.
Our CCTV Tower’s design promotes a clear crime deterrence, standing up to 7m tall and being bright yellow in colour, their aim is to make a bold statement to any criminals. Further to this, there are sirens, flashing lights and voice-down live audio to discourage crime if threats are captured.
Additional features such as PTZ technology, infrared abilities, AI video analytics, evidence gathering software and power management tools ensure crystal clear imagery that can be used in criminal proceedings in future, if required.
Board Up Any Windows and Doors
Vacant properties are normally easier to access as entry points are not necessarily monitored and criminals can establish the best point of access with minimal disruption.
Building up barriers can support in preventing access from happening in the first place which is the main form of defence in any security.
Locking any doors and windows would be the initial step you would need to take and following this it is recommended that you board them up for extra security with strong material, whether it be wood or steel.
This provides that additional barrier to those access points and helps deter criminals from the property by showing you have further protection in place.
Apply Perimeter Fencing
Physical barriers tend to be a common form of defence for vacant properties due to the risks they hold with trespassers and squatters.
For commercial properties, this can be more limited, however, adding a fence around the perimeter of the property creates both an extra barrier of defence and a form of crime deterrence to any criminals looking to access the property.
There are some requirements to consider when setting up a fence for securing a vacant property:
- Ensure the selected fencing and material matches the property security requirements
- Gain permits beforehand
- Consider if any adjustments need to be made to the perimeter to fit the fencing
- Ensure the fencing is fitted together correctly and is flush with its lining
- Check the stability of the fencing once set-up
Fencing aims to prevent intrusion, but also help restrict view of the property and any access points available to criminals. This method may not be suitable to all, however it is one to consider.
Set-up Appropriate Vacant Property Insurance
Ideally, preventing any criminal activity taking place at the vacant property would be the best outcome for any property owner or manager, however, this is not guaranteed.
For both residential and commercial properties you should have appropriate insurance for it. Vacant properties require different insurance to that of an occupied property or building, therefore it is important to research and understand the insurance you require.
Having insurance can help protect you in instances where you face property issues such as, theft, damage or a fire by supporting in the dealing of legal matters and finances.
Remember to check your insurance cover and that you have the correct plan as if you go to claim and it is not covered or you have the incorrect policy, the insurance company will most likely reject the claim and you will need to cover the costs yourself.
The Best Security Solution For Your Vacant Property
All security measures aim to relieve the pressure for you and your property, whilst providing some reassurance of safety. However, for full management of your vacant property, the best, most effective method is by utilising CCTV systems.
With 20+ years of experience within security solutions here, WCCTV understands the specific needs of vacant properties of all property types. To find out how we can support you, contact us today!
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