The importance of safeguarding empty premises

If a commercial property you own is going to be vacant, whether temporarily or for a long period of time, then there are certain measures you simply can’t afford to ignore.

To give you an idea of the types of threat posed to your premises, we’ve looked at three of the most common.

Threat 1: Theft

When a building becomes vacant, it attracts the attention of those who look for opportunities to make money at the expense of the owner. Thieves can find resale value in almost anything, so it’s crucial you look at your building with this in mind.

Metal is particularly attractive and it is not uncommon for an under secured property to be stripped of everything from lead roof flashing to radiators, right down to copper pipes.

Threat 2: Antisocial behaviour and vandalism

Empty premises also attract the attention of others looking to indulge in illicit activities such as graffiti, substance abuse and illegal parties.

Then there is the threat of your property being used as a site for fly tipping. The removal of waste dumped can be expensive, particularly if any of it is hazardous, such as asbestos, and requires specialist removal.

Threat 3: Arson

If your building is left under secured, then it could attract those with an appetite for causing mindless destruction.

The starting of a fire is perhaps the most damaging wanton act your property could suffer. This type of threat is not only posed to your own building – should a fire spread, then it could also affect those neighbouring your site.

Prepare for the threats

To help you avoid any of the above happening to you, we’ve put together a checklist of things to consider and action to take to secure your vacant premises.

1.Consider the risks

The first step is to look for any weak spots in the entry points around your building. Could someone get in if they really wanted to? If the answer is yes then you need to act immediately.

2.Secure doors and windows

Bolstering the security on doors and windows might seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many businesses are underprepared in this way.

3.Reinforce the perimeter

Try to keep intruders at arm’s length by ensuring fences and gates are robust enough to act as a deterrent.

4.Monitor with CCTV

If you don’t already have a monitored CCTV system, then it’s worth considering bringing in a temporary solution that will also act as a deterrent.

5.Show you’re secure

Displaying the name of your security company and making it clear that the building is monitored by CCTV should make intruders think twice about entering your site.

6.Maintain a presence

Employing mobile security patrols will ensure guards visit your site regularly to check on the integrity of its security and also to ward off intruders.

This article is intended as a guide only. As one of the UK’s leading providers of professional security and facilities management services, Triton is here to help you.

If you have any empty premises that require protection, then please contact the Triton Security team today.