Finding the best way to keep your vacant property safe is a top priority but with so many options and methods to consider, knowing where to start can be tricky. Especially if you have a tight budget to stick to.

As the security industry evolves to keep up with new crime waves and break-in methods, there are seemingly more and more devices on the market all promising to keep your property protected, safe and secure. However, while some security methods do a really good job of keeping criminals out, not all of them are as effective as they might seem.

This week we’re using data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), to work out which vacant property security methods work, and which don’t.

Let’s Start With the Least Effective

Security Screens

Despite looking safe & sturdy, security screens provide very little protection for vacant properties. Apart from being very easy to break, security screens can actually increase the chance of break-ins. Nothing says ‘no one’s home’ like a property closed up with metal screens. (Same applies to boarding up your property with other materials.)

Security Chains

Security chains are also not as effective as you might think. It might ease your mind a little to know that every gate or entrance point has the added security of a locked chain, but it will do little to stop determined criminals from gaining entrance.

However, we will note that according to a 2017 study, chains are still ‘twice better than no security’ due to the added time it takes a criminal to break past them. And, when paired with other security devices such as door and window locks, chains can be an effective deterrent. 

Security Alarm (Real or Fake)

Surprisingly, according to the same study ‘burglar alarms and dummy alarms confer less protection than no security’. Meaning that, according to the numbers, buildings are more likely to be broken into when they have an alarm.

This is only when an alarm is the only method of security used, and it is probably because the presence of a real (or fake) alarm box sends a signal to criminals that you are protecting something of value.

Without additional security measure in place to put criminals off, an empty building with an alarm can just be too tempting for a criminal to pass by. We’re not necessarily saying that alarms are bad, but it does turn out that they’re not as effective as we would all like to think.

The Most Effective

Internal or External Lighting

Undoubtedly, one of the most effective methods of vacant property protection is to make it look like someone is home. Having internal lights on a timer set up to fake the appearance of visitors or roaming security guards can go a long way to deter criminals looking for an easy target.

Additionally, positioning motion sensor lights around the outside of the property will deter most criminals as they will have fewer shadowy places to hide while they try to gain access. If you were going to use only one security method, lighting has been theoretically proven to be the most effective single security device. Impressive for something so cheap and simple!

Monitored CCTV System

A monitored CCTV system also makes it to our list of most effective security methods. This is because the presence of security cameras not only deter criminals but also gives you the added benefit of evidence if there was to be a break-in. Potentially helping you out with your vacant property insurance claim, or even in court.

Monitored CCTV is even better as you are giving yourself the chance to catch any criminals red-handed. Although it is worth noting, a monitored CCTV system can be costly and is still not guaranteed to stop any criminal attempts to gain access to your vacant property.

On-Site Protection

Even though we have mentioned some very effective methods of security in this list, all of the above options still leave the property empty and therefore vulnerable. 

The only method of security that has the power to deter criminals and protect the property in case of a break-in, is having a manned presence on-site at all times. 

There are two main ways of sourcing manned protection for your vacant property. This first is to hire a traditional security guard (or guards) to roam the site 24 hours a day, alerting you of any suspicious characters or activity. However, this can come with an extortionate price tag. We estimate that professional security can cost around £100,000 a year. Ouch.

The second option is property guardianship and is far more affordable. In fact, with Blue Door, it is completely free. You can read more about the scheme here but to explain it simply, here’s a quick definition.

Property guardianship is a relatively new sub-sector of the security industry, where guardians move into vacant properties in order to provide 24-hour, live-in security. It’s a simple solution to the increasingly difficult problem of securing a vacant property.  

You get the same level of 24-hour security and manned presence as you would with traditional security guards. Plus, the scheme allows you to support your local community by opening up your vacant property to young professionals and artists who need cheaper rent alternatives.

If you would like to know more about our 24-hour on-site security solution, you can register your property here or get in touch with us today.

We recommend creating a security system that combines 3 or 4 different devices and methods. It might be stating the obvious, but the most well-protected buildings always have a good balance of deterrent and protective security. Deterrents to prevent your property from being targeted, and protective methods in place for if your building does become victim to an attempted break-in.

The combination you choose will depend on the type of building you are managing. Its size, location and intended purpose all make a difference to the security it will need. If you’ve found yourself with an unprotected vacant property on your hands and feel as though you need further advice to keep it safe, we have a team on hand who will be happy to provide some friendly advice and suggestions for your vacant property. You can contact us via the details here.