Security for Housing Associations.
Protect and repair vacant properties, ready for swift reoccupation.
Full Site Survey
Our security experts will carry out a no obligation full site survey, and design a bespoke solution.
24/7 Monitoring
Our VPS monitoring center will diligently watch over your site 24/7.
Rapid Response
Our response teams are hugely experienced in handling on-site threats effectively.
Managers in the housing associations sector face constant pressures to ensure vacant properties are made fit for inhabitants in a timely fashion.
Whether a commercial property, apartment block or a single person dwelling, from the minute a property is vacant, VPS can help begin the revitalisation process. From clearance and cleaning to implementing security measures and CCTV, monitoring and alarm response to property inspections – VPS conducts a thorough risk assessment, evaluates the likelihood and impact of each threat and quickly makes recommendations for security solutions.
Potential Risks
Theft/vandalism | Fire/Flooding | Squatting/Illegal Trespassing
There were over 1.3 million truly vacant properties in England recorded in the March 2021 census.
Risk Mitigation
An empty property is at risk of opportunists causing damage and stealing fixtures or fittings. If a refurbishment or redevelopment is underway, expensive tools and machinery are often stored on site, which can attract criminals.
Vacant properties are targets for arsonists. Especially those residential and commercial properties at risk of a build-up of junk mail just inside the building which can become an accelerant for fire. Burst or damaged water pipes can cause extensive damage to a property causing refurbishment work to be delayed and adding costs to the project.
Criminals, squatters and opportunists may try to gain access to the property and cause damage or undertake unlawful activities.
Camera and sensor technology utilised in products such as the POD S1 and VPS Smart Hub + provide round the clock vacant property monitoring. Because they can detect intruders in real-time, with night modes meaning they are effective 24/7.
Alarm monitoring can trigger warnings of fire or excess water. So lone workers can also feel safe with camera monitoring and access controls such as keycode entry doors.
Manned guarding is both a deterrent and a reactive resource. Employed to ensure intruders do not gain access. Regular property inspections ensure that buildings are secure. So preventing the development of environmental issues such as damp.
Some scenarios are suitable for Security by Occupancy. VPS will find appropriate temporary tenants to keep the property safe from squatters and other unwanted visitors. Generally this can be a very cost-effective way to keep a vacant property secure and protected.
Clearance and cleaning services keep the property in good condition. Thus deterring fly-tipping that can occur if rubbish is left in or around a vacant property.
In situations where the risk of a security breach is high, VPS can reduce the risk of squatters and damage through steel doors and window covers. VPS always consider the aesthetics of the property and surrounding area to ensure minimal detrimental impact to the neighbourhood and other residents.
VPS works with commercial and residential lettings agencies, facilities managers, individuals and construction firms to ensure their properties are secured at every stage of its temporary vacancy.
Three halls of residences, standing alongside each other, were vacated by students during 2019. The owners of the property, a religious organisation, and its insurers, Ecclesiastical, were concerned that the properties would be substantially at risk from vandalism, fly-tipping, arson or squatting whilst vacant, and whilst their future development and funding was being planned.
Solutions
