Choose crime prevention over crime cure for your vacant site, security body urges

[IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT, as the pandemic hit and lockdowns were introduced, the numbers of vacant properties grew exponentially. In fact, even in April this year – a full year on from the first lockdown – the BBC reported that one in seven shops lies empty.

This crisis has not been simply down to changes in retail habits or government regulations. Without the bustle and daily business brought by office workers to the local sandwich bars, pubs, dry cleaners, hairdressers and a host of other small retail outlets in the business districts of our towns and cities, they have become redundant, and some streets seem creepily deserted – like a scene from some post-apocalypse movie.

These past 18 months have been both sad and very worrying, as everyone suffers: tenants and landlords, not to mention the neighbouring properties where businesses are trying to keep going and attract customers again.

Gideon Reichental, commercial sales manager of Clearway Services and chair of the Vacant Property Protection section of the British Security Industries Association (BSIA), remarked on the impact of large-scale vacant property left by the lockdowns: “We’ve seen premises vandalised, fly-tipped, squatted, metal fixtures and roof coverings stolen for scrap – just about everything. We’ve been hard put to keep up with demand to secure buildings for our clients, and unfortunately many have turned to us after the damage has been done…and of course that makes it even more expensive for them to get decent insurance cover.”

So how does that impact the construction industry?

At a time when discussions are focused on moving forward and what should be built next – whether shops, offices or residential buildings – or querying if the demand for these is returning to normal levels pre-pandemic, there has never been a more important time to think about security measures.

Physical security has always been a broad term comprising a range of security products, including the basics: locks, gates, shutters and fencing, which have long been the backbone of security. But for businesses who need around38 www.constructionnational.co.uk the-clock protection, the help of technology and monitoring stations is vital. For unoccupied properties, security presence can prove even more valuable. Prevention is better than cure, as the old saying goes.

And construction sites are witnessing an increase in criminal activity: even prior to the lockdowns and quieter streets the industry was suffering losses of £800m from tool thefts, vandalism, fly-tipping, metal theft and more.

So, what can be done?

It’s important to evaluate your security provider and what they can offer, especially as your insurance premiums can depend on it – not to mention the fact that each solution is bespoke based on your requirements. Unoccupied properties require specialist security and maintenance in order to meet the requirements stipulated by specialist insurance providers.

Security posters can act as a great deterrent, as can basic physical security measures; but out-of-hours when no one is on site, or perhaps if someone won’t be on site for a while, vacant property protection solutions may come in handy.

Vacant property services are designed to protect the integrity and value of commercial vacant properties in the UK, and give you the peace of mind that your buildings are secure at all times. Services can range from vacant property clearance, protection against intruders, waste removal and extreme cleaning, to vacant property security for insurance compliance.

Site inspections, temporary video surveillance and CCTV help provide a presence when there otherwise wouldn’t be – and not always for the reasons you first think of. In a recent interview with one BSIA member’s alarm receiving centres, they reported that their camera operators noticed the incursion of a herd of cows onto a non-occupied parking lot. On-site speakers and sirens provided enough noise to shift the herd onwards, with little to no disruption or damage to the property: definitely one of the lighter stories the association has come across.

According to the Construction Equipment Association (CEA), intruder incidents are said to have soared by 50% over some months in 2020.

The BSIA itself commented: “If there’s something we have learnt from the time watching the popular app TikTok boom over lockdown, it is that lighting and camera positioning matter – which goes for security equipment placing, too; just on a larger scale and not necessarily via a smartphone.

“Whatever solutions you choose, always remember to do your research first so you understand what your business needs. Don’t be afraid to ask a number of companies for case studies or query their accreditations – after all it’s those preventative measures which can help save time and finances later down the line.”

That sentiment was echoed by James Fee, managing director of BSIA member First Response Group’s risk management section.

“We always recommend a full site survey to assess your specific risks and vulnerabilities,” he explained, “but there are a number of key security measures we always recommend, to keep youths, thieves and vandals out of your construction site or vacant property.

“Firstly, ensure strong perimeter protection and secure all access points such as gates, doors and turnstiles. Detection in the grounds and within buildings is vital to quickly identify any trespassers on site and minimise damage or loss.

“Make sure you remove all internal and external combustibles to prevent arson. And finally, make sure you have prominent warning signage to deter criminal and antisocial behaviour.” q