5 key ways to secure a vacant business premises

If you have recently bought a new home, or waiting for new tenants to move in, it is important to take extra measures to secure the area and prevent criminal activity.

It is an unwelcome truth that theft and vandalism are common occurrences in unattended commercial properties, even for short periods of time.

Whether it’s local kids using the property as a playground, experienced criminals looking to exploit it, or squatters trying to claim it as their own, these threats should be taken seriously. To protect a vacant property from criminal activity, here are 5 helpful tips.

Tip #1 – Arrange inspections

Arrange scheduled inspections if having security personnel on-site at all times is not feasible.

Whether you personally visit the premises or delegate a trusted staff member to do so, these regular inspections will provide reassurance that no incidents have occurred and act as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers who may be monitoring the site.

Tip #2 – Work with your neighbours

Collaborate with nearby businesses to enhance security measures.

A solitary organization’s security system is insufficient to address the prevalence of criminal activity in the area.

By working together, you can establish a robust neighbourhood watch program, where businesses keep an eye out for one another, ultimately contributing to the community’s well-being.

 

Tip #3 – Set up a security system

The best vacant property security include various security features like CCTV, alarms, reinforced doors, and more.

If you’re unsure which security measures would be most advantageous for your business site, consult a professional security company.

Keep in mind that if you plan to convert your property to a vacant status, you won’t have access to electricity and won’t be able to use traditional alarms and wired CCTV. Instead, consider using battery-powered options like mobile CCTV towers.

 

Tip #4 – Landscape maintenance

You don’t have to create an elaborate garden or plant an orchard, but it is important to keep the exterior of your property clean and well-maintained.

Allowing plants to grow excessively signals that the property is unattended and makes it an easy target for those looking to trespass unnoticed by using shrubs and bushes as camouflage. Arrange for a gardener or a team member with gardening skills to visit the site regularly for a quick cleanup.

 

Tip #5 – Arrange for professional alarm monitoring

Professional Alarm monitoring is a fantastic way to keep a vacant property secure without you having to employ full-time security guards.

With such a set-up in place, any break-ins or similar emergencies will be detected automatically at a nearby alarm monitoring centre by a local security firm.

They will then go directly to your site to deal with the issue or alert the police, fire service, or other appropriate emergency service.

As well as ensuring there is a real time response to emergency situations, this tactic keeps your staff well out of harms way and guarantees only highly trained professionals are confronting potentially dangerous individuals.