Properties can be at risk of degradation, intrusion and vandalism if they stand unoccupied for any period of time. Fortunately, there are many ways to secure a vacant property, from live-in guardianship to manned guards, remote monitoring, fencing and boarding up. Here, vacant property security specialists SafeSite Security Solutions discuss the pros and cons of live-in and remote monitoring.
Property guardians
Property guardians enter into a licence agreement to live in a building, or part of it, that would otherwise be empty, with the primary aim to safeguard and secure the property. This agreement is usually made with the guardian company (and not the property owner) and the terms will vary according to the security requirements of each property eg, setting out how often security alarms are checked, and damage or intruders are reported. On the face of it property guardianship may seem like a ‘win-win’ for individuals seeking a tenancy and for vacant property owners. However, the properties that require guardianship are generally not designed for residential use. They may be commercial buildings in poor condition with limited access to facilities. If other guardians are licenced to occupy different parts of the same building then some facilities may also be shared.
Guardianship agreements may be set for a fixed term but others may contain provision for the agreement to be terminated by the guardian company at short notice. Despite this, property guardians are still protected by the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 so notice periods of less than four weeks are likely to be deemed unlawful. If a guardian does not leave at the end of the notice period or when the fixed term ends the guardian company or property owner must apply to the court for a possession order to lawfully remove them.
There’s no doubt that a live-in property guardian is a powerful deterrent against squatting and ‘urban exploration’ but there are other measures property owners can take to secure empty buildings, and ensure they remain habitable. Following a change in the law that made squatting a criminal offence in residential properties only, facilities managers have since said that their biggest concerns are the security of empty buildings, loss of income, maintaining buildings so they are ‘ready-to-let’ and complying with insurance.
Remote monitoring
Although traditional, wired security alarm systems are still a popular choice for vacant property owners, advances in communications technology means that wireless alarm systems now offer a host of convenience and security benefits:
•Infra-red motion sensors can detect movements over a significant range, around the clock, and alerts can be sent direct to the property owner and the security monitoring company, for immediate action. These alerts can also send notifications and reminders about battery life, to minimise any system downtime.
•Remote arming, disarming and resetting options provide convenience and additional security.
•The ability to digitally record activity when the alarm is triggered means that the cause can be quickly identified and, if necessary, further action can be taken, such as alerting the police.
•Wireless home security technology offers a range of programmable options allowing a bespoke system to be set up according to the property’s precise requirements.
For these reasons, a wireless alarm system can be a cost-effective alternative to CCTV, with the added benefit of offering security in ‘real time’ viewable from any online device, anywhere in the world.
A wireless alarm system can be used on a temporary or long-term basis and, owing to its recording capabilities, can supplement (and capture) routine patrols by security guards. Having a professional alarm system installed can also help to lower insurance premiums.
Barriers and hoarding
Security barriers and hoarding can provide the first line of defence against intruders and trespassers, especially when properties are lying empty. Heras Fencing is a versatile option, which can be quickly installed, for a variety of situations. Hoarding fencing is largely constructed from wood and may provide a more aesthetically pleasing security solution on sites that are under development. Palisade fencing, incorporating metal stakes, offer high level security for complete perimeter protection. Whatever security solution you’re looking for, always work with an industry-accredited organisation so that you can have peace of mind that your security arrangements are in safe hands.
