Properties at risk from squatters

Property owners and landlords will be well aware of the increased risks presented by periods of unoccupancy. Since the economic downturn the problem has been exacerbated by the increase in unoccupied property.

Evidence clearly 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 common risks. Unattended buildings, if not managed, can suffer fire or water damage due to non-maintained services.

Owners also have a legal duty to protect 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.

Here are some of the factors to consider

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 the 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 the appropriate level of security demands boarding of windows and 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 turned 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 by:

• 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 items out of view
• Remove ladders from site (or lock 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 other 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-signaling alarms are preferable for high risk homes – your alarm will need a police unique reference number and appointed key holders.

Key holders 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 the Police may not respond to non-confirmed alarm systems if the alarm has been installed since recent changes to Police policy.

Windows

Ground floor and vulnerable upper floor windows (overlooking accessible roofs, or next to downpipes) should be secured with key operated window locks or screw fixed.

In crime-ridden areas boarding of windows may be necessary. Otherwise, selected vulnerable windows may need to be individually boarded. Use minimum 18mm thick exterior-grade ply secured firmly to wood frames by 50mm exterior non-return screws or ribbed nails. Welded mesh, bars, grilles and laminated glass may sometimes be suitable alternatives. Low level roof lights will need protection.

Doors

Doors, particularly if concealed, can offer the best method of unauthorised entry.

• Timber doors – fit a good deadlock (meeting BS3621) or key operated security bolts (2 per door)
• Double leaf glazed timber patio doors – 2 security bolts (one at top of the door striking into the lintel and one at bottom of the door striking down into the sill) to each leaf.
• Plastic PVC doors - good quality multi point locks
• Sliding PVC doors – ensure key lockable and fitted with an anti-lift device
• Stable type doors – both top and bottom sections need to be independently secured to frame with deadlocks or security bolts.

Public Liability

To minimise causing injury, watch out for:

• Loose masonry or roof tiles/slates
• Rubble, rubbish, glass
• Protruding nails, jagged edges
• Ease of access onto roofs, from which trespassers could fall.

Inspect the inside of the building:

• Do visitors need torches?
• Are there missing/damaged stairs, rails and floors?
• Is there exposed or damaged electrical wiring? Is it live?

Living on site

High-value properties in rural or isolated localities, may best be protected by someone living in, even if intermittently or temporarily. Special cases may require the services of a manned security company.

Insurance of Unoccupied Premises

It is important that you:

• Notify your insurer when the premises become unoccupied.
• Are aware of any restrictions in insurance cover.
• Comply with any policy, requirements, warranties, or conditions e.g. regarding inspections, services and security.

Key Action Steps

• Assess the risks.
• Review fully your arrangements for Security, Fire Safety, Water Damage and Liability to Public.
• Implement and monitor your safety precautions to limit the risks.
• Maintain ‘cared for’ appearance.
• Inspect the property regularly.
• Comply with any legal or insurance requirements.

Sources of further information

• Code of Practice for the Protection of Unoccupied Buildings 1995.
• Fire Protection Association
• Your local Master Locksmith
• Your local Police Crime Prevention Unit
• The National Security Inspectorate
• The Security Systems Alarm Inspection Board