If you are the owner of any amount of empty, unoccupied land, there are a number of precautions that you will need to take into consideration to ensure that it remains secure, as vacant land or property is extremely vulnerable to crime. In the UK, it is estimated that up to 750,000 empty properties are vandalised yearly according to statistics released by Aviva, and the costs of repairs can very often end up costing far more than the actual cost of the building.
Precautions that can reasonably be taken when it comes to empty property security is varying degrees of additional security including physical and barrier security options. We take a look at the types of security available on the market in order to ensure your land is fully protected. Furthermore and contrary to what many people may believe, securing land, particularly that which is unoccupied, does not have to be terribly expensive and it doesn’t have to entail seeking additional funding in the form of payday loans or otherwise.
Proper security can be truly affordable at the same time as delivering total peace of mind, leaving you safe in the knowledge that your piece of unoccupied land is safe, secure and protected.
Concrete Barriers
It is worth considering getting heavy, solid concrete barriers if you have unoccupied land, as these barriers stop unauthorised vehicles from gaining access, as well as preventing any attempts from would-be trespassers trying to move them. On average, these barriers can weigh up to 2.5 tonnes each and therefore are extremely difficult to move without having specialist equipment. Furthermore, as squatters, fly-tippers and travellers will tend to arrive in vehicles, protection measures of this nature can solve a problem before it even emerges. The barriers Secure Site offers are 3 metres wide too, meaning that relatively few are need to ensure land security.
Heras Fencing
Heras fencing is another excellent way to ensure an additional level of security. Heras fencing is made from anti-climb mesh, meaning that unoccupied land is protected from any attempts by personnel seeking to access it. A major advantage and one of the most desirable features of this method of protection is that is can be installed very quickly and heras fencing can also be used as a construction barrier, around construction sites and buildings.
Palisade Fencing
For a more permanent solution than the likes of heras fencing, this sort of fencing is made from a metal post with sharp edges at the top of the fence. The sharp nature of the fence is an effective method of preventing thieves from accessing the building as it has the potential to cause serious injury. Moreover, simply the very sight of these fences is usually enough to put off any would-be intruders as the risk of potential injury is too great a risk.
Timber Boarding
Depending on the conventional conditions and the level of security needed for the vacant property, it could be worth considering timber boarding. If the property is going to be vacant for a shorter period of time, timber can be a much more cost-effective option than other types of security. It can also be installed very quickly and is very secure as solid hardwood or ply-wood are often utilised.
Steel Security Doors
Investing in steel security doors can help improve security on unoccupied land by reducing the chance of the property being vandalised or suffering from a fire, and therefore they pose as a far safer alternative. Steel security doors are considerably stronger than other types of protection offered such as timber. They are also fitted with tamper-proof fixings and are damage resistant. This means that it is made very difficult to attempt to break into the building with a hacksaw, crowbar or other tools and machines.
These types of doors can be used on their own for boarding up a property but can also be used with steel windows in order to maximise security and they can be installed quickly.
Steel Window Protection
Steel windows are another popular and effective way to enhance property security. It is often the case that the first port of call thieves, vandals or squatters trying to get into unoccupied properties is through the window. With this in mind, many people decide that the first issue that they tend to address if they have a vacant property to look at getting steel windows. These types of windows dramatically increase property security as a whole too and are much more difficult to break compared to glass or wooden frames.
Live-in Guardians
Empty property guardians (in certain respects a professional house-sitter) can help ensure that the property remains fully maintained, in occupation and also ensure that it preserves its market value. This can be a cost-effective alternative to other security options. This method also acts as a strong visual deterrent as some one living in the property makes it significantly more difficult for those looking to cause problems and settle into a property before the owners realise.
Monitored CCTV Systems
24-hour surveillance and monitoring managed either on or off-site can help to provide you with peace of mind. Security on-site will be available to ensure that the police can be altered quickly about any criminal activity on the unoccupied land. Covert CCTV are a popular option for both residential and commercial buildings as they can be hidden discreetly from plain view.
Additionally, CCTV cameras can in some cases bring down insurance premiums for buildings and contents insurance, for example in the case of a property as this is seen as a reduction to the risk of theft or vandalism, by making prospective intruders increasingly uncomfortable (source: ABC Estates).
Alarm Systems
Intruder alarm systems are one of the most popular options on the market. A 24-hour monitored alarm system provides an enhanced security alternative to standard burglar alarms. If there is an attempted intrusion, trained security personnel, a key holder and even the police will be immediately alerted, meaning that swift action will be taken.
