Buildings that appear empty or abandoned are easy targets for criminals. They may try to enter the property to scavenge materials or vandalise the interior. Vacant residences, commercial properties, construction projects, and other empty buildings require security to protect against trespassing.
Empty building security is especially important in 2020 due to a variety of factors from lockdowns to increased crime. Here is a closer look at why the security of empty buildings is so important in 2020.
What Is Empty Building Security?
Empty building security services are designed to provide protection and monitoring for vacant properties and buildings. This may include a vacant building that you have recently purchased or a building that is currently being developed.
If the property looks empty, thieves and vandals may assume that it has no security. Vandalism and other property crimes can be costly and require extensive renovations and repairs. Luckily, the same security services that are available for occupied buildings are also available for empty buildings.
At FCS, we provide multiple security solutions to monitor and protect your empty building. Common types of empty building security include:
- 24/7 security guards
- Mobile security patrols
- CCTV systems and monitoring
- Rapid deployment CCTV
- Access control systems
- Fire protection services
Instead of worrying about whether criminals are trespassing on your empty property, you can receive the peace of mind that comes with dependable security services.
SIA-Licenced Security Guards
Security guards can provide superior protection for empty properties. Whether you choose 24/7 security guards, mobile patrols, or on-site security guards, you can deter criminals from targeting your building.
All our security guards are SIA-licenced. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the government agency responsible for the regulation of private security services in the UK. By hiring SIA-licenced security guards, you ensure that you have reliable professionals protecting your property.
CCTV Systems with Monitoring
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems are the most common security solution for empty buildings. The installation of a CCTV system allows for 24/7 monitoring of your property.
At FCS, our CCTV systems are monitored remotely at a central monitoring centre. When suspicious activity is detected, we immediately deploy rapid response security guards. We can also alert the police, decreasing the threat of permanent damage or property loss.
Access Control Systems
Installing access control systems can improve the security of your empty building. Access control includes the use of high-tech solutions such as fingerprint scanners in addition to low-tech solutions such as locks and secure fencing.
Allow us to assess the vulnerability of the entry points around your property. We can provide recommendations for securing the perimeter and limiting access to the property.
Fire Protection Services
Arson is a potential threat when you have a vacant building. Arsonists tend to choose buildings and residences that appear empty.
Seconds matter when dealing with a fire as the flames can quickly engulf the interior of your property and destroy any items stored inside. With professional fire protection services, you can reduce the risk of damage due to fire or smoke.
Why Should You Use Empty Building Security?
Having security services in place for your empty building provides a wide range of benefits. Adding security guards or CCTV systems to your premises can help:
- Prevent trespassing on your property
- Reduce the risk of vandalism
- Prevent theft and property damage
- Deter arson and other property crimes
Toward the start of the year, many regions implemented lockdown orders to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The lockdown orders led to decreases in some types of crime and increases in others. For example, there was a 37% drop in burglary and a 54% drop in shoplifting. However, as the lockdown continued, antisocial behaviour increased by about 59%, which includes an increase in vandalism and other property crimes.
Empty buildings are often the site of property crimes as criminals may assume that they are unoccupied and unsecured. Security guards and CCTV systems are two of the best methods for protecting empty properties. Keeping security guards on your property or installing cameras may help deter crimes and increase the chance of recovering stolen items after a theft occurs.
Prevent Trespassing and Property Crimes
When you have a visible camera in your parking lot or the exterior of your property, you discourage people from trespassing. The sight of a uniformed security guard has the same effect.
Trespassing is one of the biggest security risks for empty buildings, especially buildings that appear abandoned. About 75% of abandoned buildings contain evidence of some type of illegal activity such as drug use, metal theft, vandalism, and squatting.
Squatting should be a concern for anyone with an empty building. Individuals with no place to go may use an empty building for temporary shelter. Fires and property damage often occur when people illegally occupy buildings.
Securing an abandoned or empty building can keep you from dealing with these issues. Squatters and criminals are less likely to enter a property with visible cameras and security guards. By deterring trespassing, you naturally reduce the risk of vandalism, property damage, and other crimes.
Protect Empty Buildings That Remain Unoccupied
There are many reasons why you may own an empty building. You may have a construction project that is not yet complete. Properties that are recently purchased may also sit empty while you plan your renovations.
Along with protecting against crime, security services can protect against natural occurrences. For example, if no one is occupying the building, you may not be able to respond quickly to fire, water damage, wind damage, mould, electrical issues, and other disasters and accidents.
An unoccupied building may also be in a state of disrepair. If a utility worker or police officer is injured while carrying out their job duties on your property, you may be liable for their injuries.
Security guards and cameras help you keep a better eye on your property. Instead of waiting until after a major accident occurs, you can respond quickly to property damage or potential hazards. This may minimise the damage and any delays to your plans for the empty building.
Affordable, Reliable Empty Building Security
If you want dependable security for your vacant property, contact the professionals at FCS. We have over a decade of experience providing security guarding services to businesses and property owners throughout the UK.
Explore some of the reasons why we remain the preferred choice for empty building security:
- SIA-licenced security guards
- CCTV systems and monitoring
- Excellent customer service
- Affordable rates for all services
- Free quotes — call to request your quote today!
We service the whole of the United Kingdom and specialise in security guarding solutions for construction sites. However, we have worked with businesses in almost every industry. Retail stores, restaurants, and other private properties may attract thieves or vandals if they assume that the property is empty.
We are available to protect your empty building. Our experienced staff can evaluate the security challenges of your empty property and help develop the perfect security solution.
Depending on your needs, you may benefit from one or more security services, including security guard services, CCTV system installation, access control systems, and fire protection. We can assess your needs to help you determine which security services are the right fit.
Contact us to request a free quote for professional security for empty buildings!
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