There are currently circa 1.5 million vacant properties in the UK and, due to the cost of living crisis, the number of squatting cases are on a steady incline. Not even Gordon Ramsay's £13m Grade II listed gastropub was 'safe'. Megan Daniels takes a closer look at how property owners can protect their properties from trespassers.
If you are a property owner and you have any vacant premises, you should take pre-emptive steps to safeguard your property against unauthorised access from trespassers, especially when approaching the winter months when homeless people are more likely to seek out shelter. If you do not, you are leaving yourself open to legal action, the inability to provide vacant possession (if you are intending to sell the property), and property damage.
It is particularly important that those managing commercial property take pre-emptive steps. Vacant commercial units are typically at a greater risk because squatting in residential premises is a criminal offence under the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 – punishable by up to six months in prison – whereas squatting in commercial premises is purely a civil matter.
This article outlines effective strategies that commercial property owners can employ to protect themselves.
1. Secure the Property
This may seem obvious but make sure all entrance points to the property are adequately sealed / locked. However, to really protect your property, you need to seriously consider additional measures.
To ramp up the protection on the property itself – fit a good alarm system, CCTV and consider additional measures at any entry points – such as installing steel doors, permascreens, and security screens over windows.
2. Regular Inspections
Conducting regular inspections of your property can help identify any vulnerabilities in your current security measures.
If you are able, you can employ security firms to do this on your behalf and they can link the alarm systems to directly notify them if an alarm is triggered. However, once trespassers have gained entry, you will then need to go through the court process to obtain a possession order for their removal.
3. Secure the perimeter
One of the most effective steps in preventing trespassers, is to put an additional layer of security in place before gaining access inside the property itself so, by securing the perimeter of the property. This can include installing fencing, concrete bollards, gates, and additional locks around the perimeter.
You may additionally consider adding additional security features to act as a deterrent such as; CCTV of the perimeter to the property and motion sensor lights.
It is also advisable to ensure that you regularly maintain all security features to ensure that they are still in good working order.
4. Man-guarding
This is the ultimate layer of protection and deterrent. You can employ security personnel and dog teams to secure your vacant property.
Securing your property adequately can be expensive and, of course, the greater level of protection, the higher the cost. However, the legal fees and enforcement costs of removing trespassers can be even more expensive, and your property could be damaged in the process.
Protecting your property from trespassers requires a proactive approach and vigilance for the duration of the time it is vacant. By implementing the strategies outlined, you can mitigate the risks associated with unauthorised access and safeguard your property.
In the unfortunate event you find yourself with trespassers at your property now, or at some stage in the future, please contact our expert, Megan Daniels, for advice on next steps.
