Friday 16 December 2011
Be sure to wrap-up and protect your vacant property this Christmas
It’s Christmas, a merry time for many but it is also a time when vacant property owners need to take extra precautions to protect property warns VPS, the Vacant Property Specialists who explain three top reasons why.
Security and safety is important at all times, but at Christmas, the month when the UK is preoccupied with Christmas festivities, it is even more imperative to ensure your property does not fall victim to crime, theft, vandalism or arson, especially where seasonal drinking can fuel antisocial behaviour.
But it’s not just crime that poses a seasonal threat. Cold weather can also have an effect on vacant property, in particular burst water pipes. Many property owners underestimate how catastrophic water damage can be, especially at a time when staffing levels may be reduced due to the holiday season.
The reasons to be extra precautions over Christmas include:
1. Metal theft
Thieves do their ‘Christmas shopping’ too, with burglaries estimated to increase by 13% during December. Vacant properties are especially at risk from metal theft as criminals target them to steal an abundance of copper plumbing, electric cables, generators, boilers and lead roofing. The pillaging of metals from the built environment is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country and estimated to be costing the UK £770 million a year. If you think you are safe from this happening this Christmas, as you have already been targeted, think again. Thieves often return to properties following replacement of stolen metal roofing – it is recommended that owners replace the roofing with non-metallic materials.
2. Arson and fire
Fires associated with vacant properties occur frequently every year, often causing significant damage to buildings, their structures and surrounding properties. At least 60% of all fires occur in vacant buildings as reported by Insurance Protector Group, 2011
As well as the financial risk, security staff and emergency workers called to deal with arson attacks in vacant buildings are also at a personal safety risk.
3. Burst water pipes
It is hard to predict what the Christmas weather will bring but the cold snap the UK has experienced of late could continue or even worsen. Many property owners underestimate the catastrophic effect that water damage can have on vacant property. Cold weather can trigger water systems to freeze and lead to burst pipes, causing significant damage and water ingress resulting in a major clean-up bill costing thousands, sometimes millions* of pounds (*in the case of listed and heritage buildings).
Nick Tubbs, UK managing director of VPS, said: ‘’Landlords should protect their property throughout the whole of the year; however it is imperative that property is protected during the busy Christmas period when people are preoccupied with festivities and property management staffing levels may be lower. This will ensure the risk of damage is reduced and will help save costs. Proper protection is by far the best cure and guards against these three important risks.’’
Property owners and managers can take the following steps to ensure their property is well protected over Christmas:
- Undertake a comprehensive risk assessment by a registered company to assess potential risks, such as fire hazards and public liability exposure as well as the exposure to damage from squatters/ criminals.
- Isolate and shut down the power and gas supplies. Clear the property making sure to remove any combustible material. Install a letter box seal to prevent arsonists or squatters setting fire to the property. A build up of mail is also a vital clue that a property is empty.
- Ensure the perimeter of the property is secure and where required fit steel security to windows and doors. Instigate a minimum weekly inspection of the property both internally and externally – as required by most insurance providers. (done by SIA registered inspectors)
- Draining down the water system as soon as a property becomes vacant is a cost effective and preventative measure to eliminate water damage and ensure the property is covered by insurance – ultimately protecting your valuable asset.
- Secure the property with an alarm (which includes passive infrared smoke detectors and water detectors). Not only will the alarm act as a deterrent, but if squatters do gain access, the alarm activation will register any break-in. This can act as evidence when applying for an Interim Possession Order – a fast track eviction process. For more high risk properties, an alarm in conjunction with a permanent security officer is advised. An alarm will monitor areas where a guard isn’t watching.
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