Vacant Property Security

Vacant property and residential security

Protection for empty offices, shops, pubs, homes and development sites: guarding, inspections and patrols that stop squatters, theft and damage.

  • SIA licensed
  • DBS checked
  • 24/7 cover
Large empty industrial hall
Quick answer

Vacant property security protects empty buildings from unauthorised occupation, metal theft, vandalism, fire and water damage, using static guards, regular inspections and mobile patrols. It is also often a condition of insuring an unoccupied property.

Why empty buildings are at risk

An empty building attracts attention. Copper pipes and cable, boilers and fittings are stolen, rough sleepers or squatters may get in, and vandalism or arson can follow. Even without crime, a burst pipe or roof leak can go unnoticed for weeks. Many insurers require regular inspections of unoccupied property, so check your policy conditions.

Our vacant property services

  • Static guards on site for high-risk or high-value buildings.
  • Regular inspections inside and out, with written and photo reports.
  • Mobile patrols at varied times; see mobile patrols and key holding.
  • Lock changes and secure access coordinated with your contractors.
  • Utility checks for leaks, damage and signs of entry.
Stripped-out vacant office floor
Stripped-out office floor awaiting refit

Residential security

We also protect homes and residential developments: patrols and key holding for owners who travel, security for show homes and new-build sites, and guarding for residential blocks. For blocks with a concierge desk, see security guarding.

Choosing the right level of protection

OptionBest forWhat you get
Static guardHigh-value or high-risk buildingsAn officer on site, day and/or night
Daily or weekly inspectionsLow-risk empty propertyInternal and external checks with reports
Mobile patrolsBuildings near other premisesRandom visible visits
Guard plus CCTVLarge buildings and estatesOfficers plus CCTV monitoring

Prefer to talk it through? A security manager answers 24 hours a day.

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What affects the cost?

FactorWhy it mattersWhat to ask us
Level of coverGuarding costs more than inspectionsWhat does our insurer require?
Building sizeLarger buildings take longer to checkHow long does an inspection take?
Location and riskSome areas see more break-insWhat level of cover do you recommend?
DurationWeeks, months or open-endedCan we change the level of cover later?

Vacant Property Security FAQs

Does my insurer require inspections of an empty property?

Many insurance policies include conditions for unoccupied buildings, such as regular inspections. Check your policy wording and we will match our visits and reports to it.

Can you secure a pub or shop that has just closed?

Yes. Closed pubs, shops and offices are common targets, so we can provide guards or patrols from the day the building is vacated.

Do you provide photo reports?

Yes. Inspection reports can include photographs so you can see the condition of the building without visiting.

Can you protect a house while it is being sold?

Yes. We provide patrols, key holding and inspections for homes that are empty during a sale or probate.

On the ground

Vacant Property Security in practice

The kinds of places our officers protect for this service.

Empty room in a vacant building
Empty room in a vacant building
Empty white commercial unit
Empty commercial unit
Empty brick warehouse with tall windows
Empty brick warehouse
Vacant open-plan commercial floor
Vacant open-plan floor

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