The British Standard BS 8584: 2015 Vacant Property Protection Services Code of Practice was published in 2015 to set out good quality practices. Orbis reports it’s achieved BS 8584, certified by the SSAIB inspectorate.
With the rise of empty properties since the recession, many more properties have been left vacant. It is also estimated that the number of people squatting in the UK has increased from 9,500 in 1995 to around 20 to 50,000. Figures from a recent BIFM (British Institute of Facilities Management) and Orbis survey show that 16 per cent of respondents were experiencing an increase in commercial squatting and 7 per cent an increase in residential squatting, with over a quarter having been targeted by urban explorers
Owners often turn to security companies to guard these properties but previously there was no standard for this security provision. Guy Other, Orbis CEO, says: “BS8584 will serve to protect property owners and help them to assess the quality and credibility of service providers. It is vital to set the industry bar high so that organisations are confident of proper protection. Without this there is a huge risk to a business of loss of reputation, lengthy legal battles, and financial losses.”
The 8584 standard gives recommendations for the security of vacant properties, covering:
security management;
manned services (static guarding, mobile patrols, remote monitoring);
physical devices (barriers); and
electronic systems (alarms and CCTV).
The recommendations in 8584 apply whether the property is vacant prior to first occupancy, following damage, while undergoing refurbishment or awaiting demolition, covering properties including homes, shops and offices, factories, warehouses, construction sites and open land.
