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[show]Vacant properties face increased vulnerabilities, which only worsen during Winter. The darker nights and quieter evenings create opportunities for these criminals, and you do not want to become a victim of this. Find out how you can prevent this below.
With Winter now upon us, security risks have already increased across the UK, particularly for vacant property where the lack of occupancy combined with darker evenings plays into criminals’ plans.
The Security Risks to Vacant Properties During Winter
There are several security risks related to vacant property due to having no occupancy in the property:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Trespassing
- Squatting
- Arson
- Anti-social behaviour
The above security risks increase for all vacant property types including commercial, residential and industrial. However, during Winter criminal activity will likely grow in these various areas as the darker, quieter evenings provide cover for criminals.
The Impacts of Security Breaches on Vacant Property
Security breaches on vacant property tend to cause more damage as criminals can take advantage of the lack of occupancy easier. This is hence why it is essential for vacant property to be secured.
Property damage such as graffiti, smash windows and doors and fly-tipping can be costly, and we can agree that avoiding the financial implications is the goal for any property owner or management company.
Without the correct security solution, breaches can lead to repair and replacement costs, compensation, legal payments and increased insurance premiums, all of which have greater impact than that of the property alone.
Especially within the commercial property world where expenses can stack up due to the vast area in which the space covers which is enticing to criminals.
The 6 Security Steps for Vacant Properties This Winter
Having 20+ years of experience within security solutions and supporting the needs of vacant property across the UK, WCCTV understands the unique requirements for this property type.
We have found there are 6 key steps that all vacant properties should implement over the Winter period to minimise the security risks to them:
Check the Property More Regularly
Regular checks should be carried out frequently throughout the duration of the property’s vacancy at all times of year, however, during Winter it is recommended that these checks are completed more often.
Winter increases various security risks including vandalism, environmental damage and theft. Although property checks do not prevent or reduce the chances of these taking place, they can help with securing and managing the property throughout the Winter period.
Particularly with environmental damage as the colder months come with unpredictable weather like rain, storms and heavy wind that can cause multiple property-related issues. Running checks allows you to prepare for any weather, clear debris and ensure that any damage is repaired quickly to avoid further damage or reduces the security of it.
Insure the Property
Insurance may not provide direct security to your property and prevent any physical damage or intrusion, however, having vacant property insurance can provide financial security and in supporting repairs from any property damage.
Without insurance you will be expected to foot the bill of any repairs, damage, or legal responsibilities. Vacant properties already face heightened risks and the likelihood that you could encounter multiple expenses could happen if it is not physically secured correctly.
In general, insurance provides that back-up security and all properties should hold it. However, for vacant property there is specific insurance required and you need to ensure it covers what you need it to and what is considered invalid under a policy.
This avoids any surprises of claim rejections on an issue at your vacant property, and causing extra expenses.
Install a CCTV System Externally
For complete protection throughout Winter, CCTV monitoring is the best method to provide this. It both deters crime to prevent it from happening in the first place and also captures and stores any criminal activity to be used as evidence in future.
Hard-wired CCTV systems are not necessarily suited to vacant properties, especially during Winter as they are a more expensive, permanent option. Whereas rental security solutions provide multiple benefits, especially with vacant properties.
Our Redeployable CCTV Cameras and Towers create crime deterrence being bright yellow in colour and standing up to 7m tall, whilst also capturing crystal clear imagery that can be used for criminal proceedings if needed.
They can also be rented meaning that you can have them based at your property for as long as you require them, without having to skip on security quality or be burdened with the responsibility of managing it either.
Ensure the Property is Winter-Weather Prepared
As mentioned earlier, Winter brings a wealth of unpredictable weather. From heavy rain and wind to storms and snow, combined with darker evenings and frostier nights.
Temperatures can become extremely cold and this can create problems within the property such as damp, mould, damaged pipes, structural issues and roof and gutter damage. Strong winds and storms can also cause structural issues and throw debris into the property, and without any occupant to manage this the impacts can be greater than normal.
Therefore, whilst we are in the early stages of winter, now is the time to prepare for the colder months.
Firstly, set a timer for any heating to ensure the property has appropriate warmth provided throughout Winter. Following this, board up any windows and doors to reduce damage that can be created from heavy winds and storms.
It is also important for either you or a company to clean any gutters, pipes and the roof to ensure these do not block or clog and cause damage to the property this way.
Any extra precaution for residential property is to clear any debris found in your property perimeter and bring any outdoor furniture or items that could be blown into the property and create structural issues.
Implement Lighting Around the Property Perimeter
To provide complete security, vacant properties require multiple tools to support this, however, this includes taking simple steps like implementing strong lighting around the perimeter of the property.
Winter provides cover to criminals, and with vacant property already placed at high-risk, darker nights only placing them in an even worse position.
Installing lights around the external perimeter of the property removes a layer of cover. It takes away that extra reassurance that intruders feel during Winter as it allows for them to be more easily identifiable.
However, it is important to remember that you need to avoid placing any lighting source close to any security systems as this can prevent the IR illumination from triggering as needed. Just ensure they are placed in the areas where any light or security could be missing.
Set-up a Remote Monitoring Solution
There are multiple benefits to remote monitoring with your CCTV system, specifically with vacant properties throughout the Winter period.
Although weekly and fortnightly checks will often be required as part of insurance policies for vacant property, as the property owner or manager you cannot always be present at the property to manage security.
Therefore having remote monitoring as part of your CCTV system, you can monitor the property from any location on any device. This is extremely beneficial during Winter where Christmas breaks often mean you cannot visit the property so much.
With WCCTV’s security solutions, we provide remote monitoring services and have a monitoring centre also that assesses threats and reacts quickly to prevent any criminal activity or damage taking place on the property. These options allow you to be as hands-on or hands-free as you wish.
Upgrade Your Vacant Property Security This Winter
Security can seem simple, however, with Winter comes new challenges and you need to be prepared for these. Vacant properties already face high vulnerabilities and as darkness hits sooner, so do the chances your property being the next target only increase.
Step up the security on your vacant property this Winter to avoid becoming another statistic to property crime in the UK. Get in contact with one of our experts today and find out how we can support you and your vacant property needs!
Daniel Del Soldato
Marketing Director
Daniel has been at Wireless CCTV over 10 years and has accumulated a vast wealth of knowledge when it comes to CCTV products and the way they operate. In his spare time Daniel likes to listen to music, watch football and spend quality time with his family.
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