How to protect unoccupied residential property
Introduction
Evidence shows that unoccupied residential properties are more vulnerable to damage than similar occupied premises. This is true even if vacancy is temporary. Poor supervision, lack of appropriate security and the misplaced notion that there is nothing inside to steal are all contributory factors.
Hazards
Fires in vacant commercial properties are well documented but the risk to residential properties should not be under estimated. Theft, wilful damage, vandalism and intrusion by squatters are also known risks. Unattended buildings if not managed, can suffer fire or water damage due to non-maintained services. Owners also have a legal ‘duty of care’ to third parties. This includes invited persons e.g. surveyors, contractors, estate agents, buyers, and even uninvited persons -including children who may simply use the grounds as a playground.
Identify Risks - Implement Precautions
The degree of risk varies with locality, neighbourhood, crime history, security, general management, length of unoccupancy and perceived attractiveness of contents. The following headings identify the risks and appropriate precautions.
* Neighbourhood/Locality
* Check what crime is like in the area – if necessary refer to local residents and the local police crime prevention unit
* Does the building benefit from ‘nosy’ neighbours or a ‘neighbourhood watch’ scheme, or good community relations? If not, take more precautions
* Is the house secluded or isolated
* Who is likely to venture into the grounds e.g. youths, squatters?
* Take steps to hinder access and deter entry
Avoid an Empty, Unsupervised Appearance
* Keep lawn/hedges tidy – maintain a ‘cared for’ appearance
* Promptly repair any damage incurred
* Redirect post
* Use timer lights at night (if appropriate)
* Carry out regular visits to check the premises inside and out.
Watch for signs of vandalism or attempted entry However, in crime ridden areas, the ‘lived in’ appearance may be unworkable if appropriate level of security demands boarding of windows/doors.
Fire and Malicious Ignition
* Remove rubbish, unnecessary furniture and excess combustible items
* Seal up the letter box
* Houses in poor risk areas may need ALL contents removed so as to deny fuel for malicious fire raisers
Services
Ensure all but essential services are ‘off’. Drain down water and turn gas and electricity off unless essential for maintaining heating, fire systems, security lights or alarms.
Fences, Sheds, Garages, Outbuildings
* Deter people from approaching the house:
* Repair breaches in fences/ hedges
* Secure garden gates
* Use security lights
Sheds, garages and outbuildings should be securely locked/ padlocked:
* Tools in sheds could be used as implements for entry - Remove or at least keep things out of view
* Remove ladders from site (or padlock in the house or in a secure outhouse)
Contents
Remove contents of value, retaining only any needed for keeping a normal appearance, e.g curtains. It is usually advisable to remove all contents to reduce the fire risk. Lofts should
be cleared.
Intruder Alarms
Consider an alarm for large premises. Generally, audible-only alarms are quite adequate in built-up areas where the alarm sounder may deter trespassers. Arrange with a neighbour (preferably one who will hear the bell ringing) to act as a key holder and contact you in the event of an activation. Remote-signalling alarms are preferable for high risk homes – your alarm will need a police URN (unique reference number) and appointed keyholders.
Keyholders should be informed of what to do in event of a call out - carry a mobile phone; do not risk personal safety, wait for the police to arrive. Be aware that Police may not respond to non-confirmed alarm systems if the alarm has been installed since recent changes to Police policy (ACPO SSP 2000).
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DISCLAIMER
Any external products and services listed do not necessarily carry the endorsement of retirement-flat-living or imply a recommendation. retirement-flat-living.co.uk does not recommend any of the advertisers and cannot be held responsible for any work undertaken by or purchased from any advertiser on this site.
Whilst retirement-flat-living makes every effort to ensure that the articles included in the web site are accurate at the time of publication it is inevitable that, as time goes by and circumstances change, the articles may contain out of date information. Readers are strongly urged to check the content of these articles before taking any action that could have legal or financial consequences. retirement-flat-living shall not be liable for any loss, damage or inconvenience arising from inaccuracies.