FEATURE


PROTECT, DON’T NEGLECT


If you’re responsible for managing a portfolio of properties, chances are at some point one or more of these properties will be vacant. This isn’t a new challenge for property, facilities and estates managers but, in recent times, it has escalated, says SafeSite Security Solutions.


Covid-19 and the retreat of the High Street has caused a perfect storm of vacant shops up and down the country. The Ministry of Housing has knowledge of 648,114 empty domestic properties, a figure that has been steadily rising. And, the charity Habitat for Humanity estimates that the UK has 165,000 vacant commercial properties. There are many other statistics like these which paint a similar picture across different property types.


The modern world offers many solutions to old problems. And, in the case of securing vacant properties, there are myriad options to consider. What would you prefer on the windows – timber or steel screens? Security doors? Alarms? CCTV? Human presence?


Deep breath. Let’s take stock. If you can understand the challenges your vacant property is likely to face, it makes selecting the most appropriate security solution simpler.


52 | TOMORROW’S FM The problems associated with empty


properties These can be wide ranging and include vandalism, theft, accumulating waste, fire, storm damage, graffiti, squatters and destruction caused by flooding and burst pipes. Having a plan and measures in place from the start of the vacant period is a good strategy for minimising the likelihood of problems arising.


Different properties associate with different challenges and solutions. In general, commercial properties are at much more risk than domestic residential properties, as it’s a lot more obvious when commercial properties are vacant. People passing homes during the day expect them to be empty, with an understanding that the owners are likely out going about their daily lives. But, when commercial premises aren’t in use during the day, it’s noticeable. It’s worth noting that it’s illegal to squat, but


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