You want to ensure your commercial property is as safe from break-ins as soon as possible while spending time standing vacant. Installing security fencing around the building is one solution that is becoming more popular these days than ever before, and can prevent a certain amount of undesirable criminal behaviour from taking place. There is a wide range of fencing styles to choose from, including permanent palisade fencing to hoarding or Heras fencing, all being straightforward to install when you have clear property boundaries in place. However, if your property is situated in an area where you are unable to erect security fencing, then there are plenty of good vacant property security measures you can take instead.
The possibility of theft and vandalism is an ever-present concern for any commercial building owner, but this increases when your building is standing unoccupied. Empty property security issues arise because thieves and vandals have less risk of discovery, and can cause far more structural damage as a result. Fires can be started, taps can be left running and toilets can be smashed to leave water running unnoticed for some considerable time throughout your building.
You can take steps to protect your property by:
- Installing steel security doors and windows will present a physical barrier that can usually be enough to deter opportunist thieves and vandals from even attempting a break-in.
- Checking it’s integrity regularly and maintaining its appearance, since neglected buildings are a clear indication that no-one is really looking after it and wouldn’t notice illegal entry.
- Set up an alarm system that will alert you when a break-in is taking place. Our range of self-powered temporary alarm systems enables buildings that have been decommissioned and electricity turned off to be actively monitored for illegal entry or trespass.
- Hire a security patrol to monitor your building and inspect it on a regular basis.
A lot of the above listed security solutions are far more cost-effective than you may think. Depending on the level of security you require, or the crime-rate of the area you live in, it would be worth checking out some of these solutions for your own commercial property security issues.
Most of all – make sure it complies with your insurer’s code of practice for unoccupied buildings – because if you don’t, any damage will not be covered, leaving you with the unnecessary bill to rectify it or make it far less attractive to prospective new tenants or owners.
For more information on any of these measures, including considering an on-site security guard if there is a real risk of squatters, thieves or vandals please call us on 0800 177 7027.
