Whether commercial or residential, a vacant property is always at the mercy of break-ins and intruders like squatters and wandering criminals. The UK currently has over a quarter of a million vacant properties, encouraging trespassing and other illegal entry. In most cases, such unauthorised users can do expensive damage to a property, causing its value to drop over time. If you own a vacant property and don’t expect to occupy it soon, the following tips can help you secure or protect it from illegal entry.
Hire someone to conduct regular checks
One of the first and simplest things you can do is hire someone to check on the place at least once every week. It’s easier to identify signs of vandalism when someone is available to check on the property as often as necessary. It also discourages squatters as someone will drive away unwanted users. You can speak with someone you trust living close to the property to periodically inspect the premises. Of course, you need to do your part to secure all entry points first, but regular visits from someone will give the illusion of activity, which is a huge deterrent.
Hire a security company
Getting someone to conduct regular inspections can be effective, but there’s only so much one person can do to deter encroachment. Plus, this option may not be sustainable long-term. Hiring a security company is a more effective option. But not just any company. Look for a company that offers or specialises in manned security services. Not only do such companies offer around-the-clock monitoring, but they’re also well-equipped to handle any form of nuances. Expert security companies offer additional services like mobile patrols, guards stationed in or around the property, alarm response, and even K9 guarding or dog handlers.
Invest in CCTV monitoring
Invest in CCTV cameras and install them in as many locations on the property as necessary. While many believe that security cameras can’t prevent break-ins, they’re a massive deterrent when you place them in visible locations. Hiding your CCTV cameras isn’t a good idea, as you want people to know that the property is well-guarded. If criminals think they’re being watched on camera, they’ll reconsider their plans. Also, well-positioned cameras allow you to remotely monitor your property. You can track suspicious movements in or around your building and alert the police without being there physically.
Conduct regular maintenance
There’s a huge difference between a vacant property and an abandoned one. The former is only an empty property not being used temporarily. But an abandoned property is dormant with inactivity and clear signs of neglect and lack of maintenance.
If you leave your vacant property with regular maintenance and repairs, it will look like an abandoned property to most people, attracting vandalism, theft, and squatting. Also, your vacant property will be at the mercy of the weather and other natural elements, and failing to conduct regular maintenance will cause it to deteriorate. Your property will lose value over time and become expensive to renovate or repair.
