Securing vacant properties has long been essential, with the risks associated with material theft, illegal entry, vandalism, and squatters posing significant threats. Recent extreme shortages in building materials have compounded these challenges, putting added pressure on property owners, commercial landlords, and construction projects. This has led to sharp increases in costs and a notable rise in thefts.
Reports are increasingly common about essential materials like windows and doors failing to arrive at construction sites on time. This delay necessitates enhanced measures to secure buildings while they remain vulnerable. This article examines the causes behind these material delays and their impact on security needs.
Why Are Common Property Features in Such High Demand?
Several factors are contributing to the intense demand for common property features, exacerbating supply chain difficulties and leading to material shortages. This combination has significantly heightened security concerns.
- Essential building materials like roofing tiles, windows, doors, timber, and bricks are seeing unprecedented demand. Even before the global health crisis, there were about 60,000 vacancies in haulage, which has worsened the situation.
- Delays have become the norm for property developers, construction contractors, and tradespeople, as backlogs prevent timely delivery of essential materials.
- As the sector attempts to recover, numerous projects are restarting simultaneously. This has caused prices for critical materials like timber to increase sharply, with a 23% rise recorded in just one month.
These issues collectively create a scenario where securing properties becomes more challenging and crucial, as delays in securing sites can lead to increased risks of theft and vandalism.
How to Safeguard High-Value Property Assets
When facing delays in material deliveries for your site or vacant properties, the initial step is to evaluate the assets and fixtures already in place. Identify the components at highest risk of theft due to their scarcity and value. Common targets for theft often include:
- Bricks and blocks
- Glazing materials
- Roofing tiles
- Diesel
- Timber
These items represent just a sample of materials that are frequently stolen; others, like copper wiring, are traditionally targeted due to their resale value. Given the increased difficulty in acquiring certain materials, prioritizing security for those most affected by shortages is a strategic move to mitigate risk.
Essential Security Measures for Vacant Properties
When managing the security of vacant buildings, it’s essential to consider the unique challenges posed by the property’s layout, location, and access points, including any car parks. These areas are often targets for material theft. Below are strategic methods to secure these vulnerable points effectively due to ongoing material delays.
Securing Building Access Points
One effective strategy is the use of wireless intruder alarms. These systems are beneficial for vacant properties as they require no hard wiring or continuous electricity supply, making them simple to install without disruption. The features of these alarms include remote monitoring capabilities and anti-jamming technology, ensuring they remain operational round the clock. This setup is designed to alert property managers of any unauthorized movement, from glass breakage to forced entry attempts, making it a cost-effective security solution that minimizes unnecessary interventions while maintaining protection.
Strengthening Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are the most common entry points for burglars. To counteract this, installing steel keyless entry doors or window screens can fortify these vulnerable areas. This measure not only prevents physical break-ins but also protects the property from potential damage to its windows, doors, and their frames while awaiting delivery. These keyless systems allow authorized individuals to enter without compromising the property’s security, safeguarding against theft and intrusion.
Enhancing Perimeter Security
Considering the logistics involved in stealing large or heavy items like roofing materials or structural timbers, many criminals rely on vehicles to transport stolen goods. Employing concrete barriers is a practical and economical method to limit vehicular access to a site. These barriers can force any vehicle entering the premises to pass through a monitored CCTV zone, adding an extra layer of security. They are particularly effective at blocking both small and significant access points and can be easily deployed for both short-term and long-term needs.
Implementing CCTV Surveillance and Monitoring
The diversity of criminals involved in thefts from vacant properties means that no single security measure is universally effective. Commercial CCTV systems play a crucial role in both deterring and proactively managing security breaches. Features of modern CCTV systems tailored for vacant properties include temporary CCTV towers with telescopic mounts, which offer continuous surveillance. These systems are equipped with motion sensors to enhance monitoring during periods of inactivity. Additionally, they utilize solar-powered batteries to avoid the pitfalls of wired systems, ensuring they remain operational without mains power. Monitoring teams can also use live voice prompts to deter intruders by alerting them that they are being recorded and that law enforcement has been notified.
Enhancing Security for Vacant Properties
Update Your Insurance Coverage
It’s critical to verify that your insurance policy is up to date. In the event of a theft where items are not recoverable, having limited coverage could prevent you from claiming the full value needed to replace stolen fixtures or materials at your vacant property.
Install Surveillance Solutions
Consider the installation of a fixed or temporary CCTV system with 24/7 remote monitoring. This addition can not only improve security but may also reduce your insurance premiums, as the perceived risk of theft decreases significantly.
Reassess Security Risks
Given the recent rise in crimes related to material shortages, reassessing your security risk assessment results is advisable. Understanding the prevalent threats, evaluating available security solutions, and reassessing risk levels are crucial steps. You can then update your security strategies accordingly, adapting as material shortages diminish or prices stabilize.
Trust in Proven Expertise
Since 1992, our company has been a reliable provider of security, monitoring, and environmental services for vacant properties. We serve a diverse clientele, including property managers, landlords, estate agents, local authorities, retail businesses, and major hotel and leisure groups across the UK. Our solutions are designed to function independently of mains power or telephone lines, helping to minimize ongoing costs while ensuring peace of mind.
Contact Our Specialists
Get in touch with our team of vacant property specialists to find out why we are the preferred security partner for numerous businesses across the UK. You can also view our full range of services for vacant properties by visiting our website.