Security


How Lockdown Will Impact On The Security Of Property And Assets


Security experts believe that there will be a likely rise in property damage during this further period of extended lockdown, and it could signal the need for property owners and facility managers to take extra measures to manage the risks.


Paul Corten, Sales Director for specialist property firm, The VPS Group, warns that


the exploit the quieter legal requirement to streets and stay commercial at home,


with limited, specific exceptions, could give rise to an ideal opportunity for both organised and opportunistic criminals to


estates.


“There’s a reason why security personnel are regarded as key workers during lockdown. Essentially, they have the potential to reduce demand on policing by supporting law and order. Protecting vacant commercial, retail or residential premises, via manned guarding or monitoring through CCTV and innovative solutions such as property guardians, could save the police service, property owners and insurance companies millions.”


“We’ve already seen examples of an increase in vacant premises being targeted for illegal raves in the last fortnight” Mr Corten continues. “and only this week an organised metal theft gang have been prosecuted for stealing 92km of power lines and cabling - that’s a seriously damaging run of thefts that dangerously halted power to over 45,000 homes. But it’s not just stealing, vandalism or arson that can substantially damage vacant properties. The rain, freezing weather and snow at this time of year will also take its toll on buildings left empty.”


The security experts VPS, have laid out a 6-point plan for property owners and facilities managers with empty properties under their control: 1. Assess the risk


Is the property in a high crime area? Is it particularly vulnerable, either highly visible or in a remote or quiet location? One property VPS were requested to inspect was a large old country mansion situated in parkland. “Parks are rammed with visitors at the moment, so on one hand this Georgian pile was under the constant gaze of thousands of visitors, but on the downside, it meant that many people could see it was empty, looked like it might contain items of value, such as old fireplaces, and could certainly attract attention from intruders under the cover of darkness.” Mr Corten said.


2. Review the security


Once you have carried out at the assessment, walk the site, checking the perimeter fencing, all the potential entrance points including doors and windows, and, during the cold weather spells, that the utilities are turned off and drained down, or any insurance compliant internal


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4. Deploy solutions from the full range of security options available


Whether it is a humble letter-box seal, better locks, guards and


inspectors, or stronger fencing, 24/7 monitored alarm or cctv systems and video-verified technologies, there’s a solution or a mix of solutions that will fit all premises and budgets. Simple utility locks, Smart Doors with Bluetooth entry mechanisms or the innovative solution of ‘protection via occupation’ - deploying property guardians to live in a temporarily vacant property, at no cost to the owner - all options should be considered as appropriate.


5. Regular inspections Check premises regularly to see if there has been any damage


from weather or attempted security breaches, or use a Covid- secure inspection service by trained personnel. A burst water pipe left to run for a week can cause thousands of pounds of damage if unattended. Regular inspections


will alert you to any signs


6. Lockdown doesn’t mean you have to leave it for now


When choosing a security provider, to


continue the


personnel that hold SIA key worker status, them


ever-important customers in protecting their people, work in


select trained operational allowing


supporting property and assets.


“We have over the past number of months put extra measures in place to ensure the safety of our colleagues and our customers, enabling us to continue working diligently with our customers on the delivery of security and risk mitigation services across the UK. VPS are


here throughout the lockdown to support businesses,


with safety as our priority. Our Covid-secure operation allows us to carry out critical work securing assets, so that’s one less thing for our customers to worry about.” Paul Corten concludes.


of


water ingress, and there are Smart Alarms that incorporate flood detection sensors to safeguard the property in between inspections.


temperatures are maintained. Hiring an expert to provide the initial site risk assessment will pay dividends and is usually free of charge.


3. Implement improvements fast


There’s no point in assessing and reviewing the risks and then delaying plugging in the identified weaknesses and gaps in security. 1200 metal thefts took place every month last year. 67,000 deliberate fires were started in England in the year to June 2020. That’s over 180 a day.


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