Potential Risks
Theft/Vandalism | Fire/Flooding | Squatting/Illegal Trespassing
With over ½ million police recorded offences of arson or criminal damage in 2022/23 in England and Wales alone*, a vacant property has a high risk of a security breach.
Risk Mitigation
The Risks
Theft/Vandalism: An empty property is at risk of opportunists causing damage and stealing any fixtures or fittings.
Fire/Flooding: Vacant properties are targets for arsonists, particularly in remote areas where there is little human footfall and therefore risk of being discovered. Some properties are at risk of a build-up of junk mail just inside the building which can become an accelerant for fire. Another risk is that of burst or damaged pipes that can cause water damage to a property causing refurbishment work to be delayed and adding costs to the project.
Squatting/Illegal Trespassing: Criminals, squatters and opportunists may try to gain access to the property and cause damage or undertake unlawful activities.
The Solutions
VPS conduct a full risk assessment, evaluating the likelihood and impact of the threats and recommended controls to reduce risk and secure the vacant property until it is once again occupied. By putting solutions in place property owners can reduce insurance costs and save money through the most efficient mix of security controls.
Monitored Technology: Camera and sensor technology utilised in products such as the Safer Pod S1 and VPS Smart Hub + give round the clock vacant property monitoring. They can detect intruders in real-time, with night modes meaning they are effective 24/7.
Alarm monitoring can trigger warnings of fire, heat or excess water and action can be taken. Lone workers can also feel safe with camera monitoring and access controls such as keycode entry doors.
Human Intervention: Manned guarding is both a deterrent and a reactive resource that can be employed to ensure intruders do not gain access, and if used in conjunction with regular property inspections can help to ensure the building is not only secure, but not developing any environmental issues such as damp.
In some scenarios where vacant property guardians are a workable solution, VPS will find suitable temporary tenants to provide a secure empty property safe from squatters and other unwanted visitors.
Physical Protection: Steel screens, steel doors and lockboxes can help with the empty property security, whilst allowing landlords, property owners and contractors to enter the properties safely and securely.
VPS are temporary security experts who offer full support for throughout the lifecycle of a vacant property.
Bilborough Baptist Church
With church closures becoming more regular these valuable sites have become targets for thieves and vandals. This vacant church in Nottinghamshire was subject to regular vandalism until the VPS team deployed a full-service security solution comprising SmartAlarms inside the building, a perimeter fence, custom steel screens on doors and windows, repairs of a roof causing water ingress and clearing and tidying the grounds.
