Vacant Properties, both Commercial and Residential, suffer a serious risk of vandalism, squatting, theft and illegal activity. Many criminals consider Vacant Properties to be both valuable and easy targets, and as such it’s vital if you are the owner of a Vacant property that you take the necessary steps to protect it. Prime Secure has been providing protection to Vacant Property for well over 20 years; this has given us a huge range of experience in handling the security of a wide range of both Commercial and Residential Void properties. In this article we’ll examine the problems of Vacant Property and how best to protect it.
What Risks Face Void Property
The most common issues (though far from the only issues that face a void property) include,
- Theft: Criminals often target Void Properties in search of copper fittings, lead, valuable metals and other fixtures, or any valuables that have not been removed. This can cause serious damage to a property; criminals will tear up walls, flooring and roofing in search of pipes, wire and other material. This can cause expensive to repair damage.
- Squatting: Squatters are one of the biggest issues facing Void Properties. Squatters frequently break into void or vacant properties, where they can prove incredibly difficult to remove. Due to differences in various legislation and laws between Commercial and Residential Properties, as well as a number of other legal matters, it can prove very difficult to see Squatters kicked out of a Void Property. They often engage in theft, vandalism, and their use of the property’s utilities can quickly rack up large bills.
- Arson: Arson and accidental fires are incredibly common in void properties (it’s been estimated 60% of fires in the UK occur in vacant properties). Vandals often start fires, and in other cases they result from long term degradation of the property, issues with utilities or weather damage. Fire damage is incredibly costly, and in worse
- Vandalism: Vandals often consider Vacant and Void Properties to be easy targets. They will smash windows, leave graffiti and cause other problems. The cost of this can be massive.
Another serious problem is that the crime committed in a Void Property can end up seriously impacting the surrounding community. Criminal activity in one area can encourage vandals to target neighbouring buildings, which can cause severe issues.
Protecting a Void Property
There are many ways you can protect a Void Property, however. With Prime Secure you can provide security for empty properties, no matter if it is residential or commercial, is kept safe.
CCTV
CCTV is by far one of the most effective defences for a Void Property, and for good reasons,
- Criminals, Vandals and Squatters will often not want to risk prosecution – which can be guaranteed by video evidence of them caught in the act
- CCTV systems can quickly alert you to intrusion and allow for you to respond as soon as possible, allowing you to resolve a serious problem before it starts
- Can help police not only catch but prosecute criminals
Prime Secure offers a dedicated CCTV Unit for Void or Vacant Property. With a sturdy, armoured shell and powerful camera, as well as audio alerts, it can do a huge amount to keep your property safe. It is designed to suit a host of different properties and sites and is quick to set up and install.
Alarms and Keyholding
Much like with CCTV, Alarms are a good deterrent. Their visible presence on a property is often enough to deter vandals and squatters, who know that a set off alarm will ensure a quick police or manned guarding response.
Prime Secure offers both Alarm and Keyholding Services. Keyholding is invaluable in that it means when an alarm is triggered, you do not need to go and put yourself into a difficult situation.
Manned Guarding
Manned Guarding is a superb deterrent. Criminals and Squatters will often avoid a visible, physical security presence like this for good reason; they are uninterested in being physically confronted and do not wish to have the police called on them. Manned Guarding can easily secure a large property and keep it safe from any squatters or vandals.
Prime Secure offers a comprehensive, professional manned guarding service backed by years of experience in the field. Our Manned Guarding Services are fully qualified by the SIA (Security Industry Authority), and they can handle a wide range of different (and difficult) situations on your behalf. Manned Guarding services from Prime Secure will ensure that you do not have to handle particularly difficult situations yourself as well.