Services Archives - Clearway

Do Security Cameras Record All the Time? Options for 24/7 Security

The Clearway Team — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:52:00 +0000

Do security cameras record all of the time? This is a popular question amongst security-conscious site operators and business owners who are keen to make sure their security measures are working around the clock and don’t miss a beat so to speak.

Yes, conventional CCTV systems do record constantly if they’re programmed to do so and have an uninterrupted power supply.

Conventional security cameras worked in this way since they were always supervised by a stationary guard – think a traditional CCTV setup in a shopping centre or bank.

However, today’s modern CCTV can be active and effective around-the-clock, either continually recording, or capturing footage automatically whenever movement or activity is identified that is outside of the norm, or during periods when your premise is closed.

With numerous types of CCTV surveillance cameras, motion sensors and integrated alarm systems, it’s often tricky to decide on the optimal security system for you. However, if you’re looking for 24/7 security, you may not necessarily need a camera that records continuously on an endless video loop.

Key Takeaways

Do CCTV Cameras Record All the Time? Not necessarily. While it’s possible for CCTV cameras to record 24/7, many systems now use smart recording features that activate based on motion or specific events to save storage space and focus on significant incidents.
CCTV systems offer various recording modes. While traditional systems can record continuously, modern options include motion-activated and timed recording, which are activated by specific triggers such as movement or scheduled times.
Modern CCTV systems use AI to differentiate between types of movements, like animals versus humans, to reduce false alarms. They can also activate recording based on specific events, providing more efficient and targeted surveillance.
You can integrate advanced IP cameras with older analogue systems for broader coverage. Remote monitoring via apps allows real-time control and ensures security from anywhere.

Different Types of CCTV Recording

The exact functionality of your security cameras may depend on your risk profile and the areas or assets you’d like to keep under surveillance.

We’ve mentioned continuous recording, which means your camera might record every second of every day, storing that footage until you review or delete it.

Due to the extent of data capacity that would command, a more common option is to have a surveillance system that operates on a loop, recording over old footage after a defined period.

Whichever recording mode you choose, footage still counts as personal data in many business settings.

That means you’ll want clear rules for secure storage, access controls, and how long you keep recordings before deletion, based on your purpose for installing CCTV.

The ICO’s CCTV and video surveillance guidance is a useful reference point for staying on the right side of UK GDPR expectations.

What are the alternatives?

There are several other recording cycles that may be more suitable or avoid any need to review potentially hundreds of hours of footage to spot anything untoward:

Motion-activated cameras are fitted with movement sensors that start recording instantly when anything activates the surveillance – usually a person or vehicle. Camera systems can be programmed with AI-enabled tech to differentiate between wildlife and people to avoid false alarms or unnecessary recording.
Timed cameras work during the required periods, often overnight or during periods when your business is closed. They can also be integrated with your business alarm systems, so they might, for instance, start recording during those hours of closure if a door or window is opened.
On-demand recording, where you can programme your CCTV to start filming through your mobile app or remote control – while being either on or off-site.

Automated and event-based recording is often ideal for business and property owners who want to safeguard their premises whenever they aren’t there – or out of hours.

More advanced smart cameras can take those features further, activating the cameras when movement is detected and in other nonstandard scenarios.

For example, your cameras might recognise when a vehicle has been parked for longer than the standard time or when something is missing from its usual spot, initiating live recording and a security alert.

CCTV Surveillance Systems Offering Around the Clock Protection

Let’s take a look at some of the popular solutions, including CCTV systems that act as a digital security guard – and are always-on duty.

Modern IP CCTV Camera Systems

Internet protocol or IP CCTV is an upgraded version of legacy analogue CCTV, capturing crisp, clear video feeds and using integrated software to track issues with technical functions such as facial recognition.

Most surveillance networks are controlled via an app or central dashboard, sharing real-time footage. These cameras come in a number of casings or configurations, such as dome and bullet cameras and megapixel high-definition cameras.

The norm is to opt for movement-activated recording, or a CCTV setup that starts to live record whenever anything is detected outside of the norm, whether indoors or out, and at any time of day or night.

Verified video alarms

Although not technically a CCTV system, a video verified alarm will only operate when movement, sound, temperature changes or other environmental changes are detected.

Upon activation by sensors detecting unauthorised activity, these systems immediately capture and relay collated footage to either a monitoring centre or the property owner’s device.

This allows for instant verification of the incident, enabling a swift and appropriate response. Such technology significantly reduces false alarms by allowing security personnel or owners to visually assess the situation before taking action, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of security measures.

Long-Distance CCTV Towers

Tower-mounted CCTV cameras are perfect for monitoring larger outdoor areas such as open land, broad perimeters and loading bays or car parks. They work autonomously through commercial-grade batteries or rechargeable solar cells and can be positioned anywhere with a long field of vision.

Remote sensors detect any activity, and you can set up your cameras to trigger a siren, notify your security team or our Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), or start automated recording as soon as the alarm is activated.

These cameras perform 24/7 with inbuilt infrared capabilities within the mounted bullet cameras, using low-light sensors to ensure that any incursions or trespassers at any time of day or night are captured and logged.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition Surveillance

ANPR CCTV works independently and is often used for car parks or main entrance points within restricted-access sites or compounds.

These surveillance systems can operate with a database of approved registration plates, lifting entry gates or bollards automatically for verified visitors or colleagues without letting any unknown vehicle pass a checkpoint.

This type of CCTV is commonly used for public car parks, since it can work with zero manual intervention, and operates seamlessly in any weather or light conditions.

ANPR cameras are also used alongside perimeter intrusion detection systems to deter any unauthorised vehicles, or to protect against car theft, vandalism and fly-tipping.

Hybrid CCTV Security Systems

As experts in CCTV surveillance, we often consult with clients who use existing analogue CCTV and want to update their current network.

This scenario is a great opportunity to install new IP cameras and integrate them with an analogue surveillance system covering all bases.

Examples include high-definition, infrared day and night cameras, and flexible CCTV controls where you can watch live footage on-demand, capture movement or suspicious activity on an automated basis, or programme your surveillance according to your requirements.

Around-the-Clock CCTV Camera Monitoring

Finally, it’s important to think about how 24/7 CCTV feeds are monitored and managed – because even the most responsive, always-on camera will only be as effective as your responses to alarm triggers.

For instance, if your camera reacts instantly to suspicious movement and captures the intruders in high resolution, this information can only prevent a break-in from progressing if it instigates a rapid response. That could involve an audible warning and/or a loud siren, contacting the local police or notifying security patrols to address the incident.

Clearway’s Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is a purpose-built monitoring facility staffed by highly trained security responders. We monitor all types of alarms and CCTV devices, including the types of surveillance mentioned here.

If you’d like further information about continual CCTV recording, surveillance and monitoring, please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do security cameras record all the time by default?

Many systems can record 24/7, but plenty are configured for motion or event-based recording to save storage and speed up reviews.

What’s better for a business: 24/7 recording or motion recording?

24/7 helps create a full timeline, while motion recording reduces storage and highlights only relevant incidents, so the right choice depends on your risk areas and response plan.

How long should CCTV footage be kept in the UK?

Keep footage only as long as you need it for the purpose you collected it, then delete it securely. The ICO expects you to define and follow a retention period.

Can CCTV record without someone watching it live?

Yes, systems can record automatically and send alerts to a phone or monitoring centre when triggers occur, so you can respond quickly.

Do ANPR cameras record all the time?

ANPR cameras can run continuously at access points, capturing plates as vehicles pass and checking them against an approved or watch list depending on the setup.

The post Do Security Cameras Record All the Time? Options for 24/7 Security appeared first on Clearway.

What are the legal Aspects of Installing CCTV Towers?

mike@tangibledigital.co.uk — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:54:43 +0000

Installing CCTV towers on any site comes with clear legal responsibilities, mainly focused on privacy, data protection, and proportional use. In the UK, these obligations apply even though the site itself is private land.

CCTV towers might look different from conventional fixed CCTV units, but the legislation applies just the same, including the Data Protection Act and the UK GDPR.

Businesses and site owners must, for example, ensure that surveillance is limited to areas where it is necessary and justifiable, display clear signage advising of the presence of recording, and have a clear policy for data management and access.

In addition, some sites may need planning permission to be allowed to use CCTV towers over four metres in height, ensuring they comply with all application rules and regulations, and avoiding any potential fines.

Legislation Around CCTV Tower Surveillance: Key Takeaways

UK laws, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, cover CCTV towers in the same way as any other type of CCTV camera, which means owners must perform due diligence to ensure surveillance is legally acceptable.
Rules cover aspects like the areas being monitored, such as public roads or pavements, the reason CCTV is necessary, and signage that informs all potential site users that they are being recorded.
Non-compliance with CCTV legislation can be serious, ranging from investigations and legal action to claims against employers and even prosecution by the regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

Understanding How to Install CCTV Towers Legally and Compliantly

The basic rules for CCTV towers match those for other types of CCTV, covering areas like signage, defined reasons for surveillance, limiting access to personal data, and having protocols in place to prevent the misuse of any footage captured by CCTV.

The Information Commissioner’s Office publishes more detailed guidance on the compliant use of commercial CCTV, which may be beneficial for organisations considering whether CCTV towers will be necessary. [1]

What Does Data Protection Law Say About CCTV Towers?

Data protection regulations set out eight CCTV rules, ranging from how data is processed to how it is protected from unauthorised access – we’ve set them out below.

Data Protection Principle	Description
Fair and legal data processing	All data collected through CCTV towers must be used for a stated reason, with parity, and only be processed according to the law.
Establishing a reason for CCTV	Towers can only be installed and cover specified areas, where there is a clear reason they are needed.
Creating coverage zones	CCTV towers can cover any area, provided this is proportionate and relates to the stated need.
Accuracy of data collection	Data collected about individuals and their activities must be correct and remain up to date.
Data retention	Information cannot be kept for longer than necessary and usually needs to be deleted after 30 days.
Data processing	Data held about people can only be processed when it complies with the Data Protection Act and GDPR requirements.
Data protection	Businesses must take steps to prevent anyone without the necessary approvals from accessing or using data.

Do CCTV Towers Need Planning Permission?

In some cases, CCTV towers must be approved before they can be installed, and although this varies depending on the specifics. You do not need planning permission for CCTV towers if the dimensions do not exceed 4m in height.

Planning permission is more likely to be required if the tower is being installed in a public area or where there are other considerations, such as the security of a listed building.

Depending on the planning rules in your area, you might need to:

Check that the towers won’t be over 4m tall – anything over that might require planning permission
Confirm that the tower isn’t extended more than one metre away from walls or fences.
Install towers at least 250 cm above ground level.

These requirements are generalised to all types of CCTV, so it’s worth checking with the council if you’re concerned or aren’t sure if you’ll need official permission.

Will I Need to Erect Signs to Warn of Live CCTV Tower Recording?

You will, because UK law requires all organisations to take steps to advise staff, visitors, or members of the public when CCTV is in use.

Clearway, says, ‘CCTV Signage needn’t be complex, and the best advice is to check you’ve installed signs at all the entry and exit points, and around any areas that you’re monitoring.

CCTV signs should include the name of your business, contact details, and the reason for the surveillance, such as a notice that says surveillance is in operation for security reasons.’

The consequences of non-compliance can be serious because anyone recorded without their knowledge may have a legal right to take action.

In addition, CCTV warning signs might be an important deterrent, because although CCTV towers are large and hard to miss, these signs can also deter prospective intruders from attempting to gain access to a site that isn’t obviously under surveillance.

Why Do I Need a Data Protection Impact Assessment to Install CCTV Towers?

Impact assessments are all about showing how you’ve acted to protect the well-being and data privacy of anyone who might be recorded by your static CCTV towers – and can be even more important if you’re incorporating behavioural analytics.

These documents demonstrate that you’ve thought about any negative outcomes associated with your CCTV towers and have worked to prevent any harms or issues from arising.

More information on the legal responsibilities businesses must adhere to when installing CCTV towers is available on the Gov.UK pages. [2]

Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens if I Install CCTV Towers That Aren’t Legally Allowed?

In the worst-case scenario, a breach of GDPR and data protection rules can mean you need to pay heavy fines, face legal action, and could even be exposed to criminal prosecutions, which is why it’s never advisable to take any chances.

How Much Could a Business Be Fined for Non-Compliant CCTV Towers?

In the UK, non-compliance with CCTV regulations on a construction site doesn’t have a fixed penalty amount but falls under data protection law enforcement by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). That means the fines relate to how you manage the personal data captured by your CCTV system (for example, identifiable workers, visitors or passers-by)

References:

The post What are the legal Aspects of Installing CCTV Towers? appeared first on Clearway.

How to secure an empty school during the holidays

studio@vanillabeancreative.com — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:00:18 +0000

Winter is here, and with school holidays fast approaching, classrooms, corridors, and playgrounds are left deserted. But while students and staff enjoy their well-earned break, an empty school becomes a prime target for crime and vandalism.

Without the usual daily presence of teachers and pupils, your school is at risk from:

Intruders & Squatters – With no one around to monitor the site, trespassers can enter the premises, causing damage or even attempting to occupy the space illegally.
Theft of Valuable Equipment – Laptops, projectors, and other expensive IT equipment left behind are highly attractive to opportunistic thieves.
Vandalism & Arson – Unsupervised buildings are easy targets for vandals, with broken windows, graffiti, and fire damage leading to costly repairs.
Water Leaks & Fire Hazards – A small leak or an unnoticed electrical fault can escalate into severe damage when left unchecked for weeks.
Delayed Reopening – Significant damage or theft could prevent the school from reopening on time, disrupting both staff and students when the new term begins.

Just like any vacant property, schools need robust security measures to prevent criminal activity and damage. That’s where Clearway school security systems come in.

How Clearway Protects Empty Schools

1. Monitored Alarm System

Clearway’s monitored alarm is a fast, effective, and portable security system that can be installed in just 20 minutes. This self-contained alarm detects movement, smoke, fire, water leaks, gas leaks, and even broken glass. Upon activation, it instantly alerts the monitoring centre or designated contacts, ensuring a rapid response to any potential threat.

2. Solar-Powered CCTV Tower

The Clearway inView CCTV Tower provides 24/7 surveillance, deterring criminals and capturing high-definition footage of any suspicious activity. This rapid deployment CCTV system:

Is completely solar-powered, meaning it functions even in areas with no mains power.
Features a mast-mounted dome camera with a 360° viewing angle and a high-powered zoom lens.
Sends real-time footage to a remote monitoring centre, enabling swift action when needed.

3. Security Guards for On-Site Protection

For immediate and visible deterrence, Clearway’s manned guarding service provides fully trained security personnel to protect your premises. Whether it’s for short-term patrols or longer-term security, having guards on-site ensures that only authorised individuals can access the building while unwanted visitors are turned away.

FAQs

1. Why is security so important for schools during the winter break?

When a school is unoccupied for several weeks, it becomes vulnerable to trespassers, theft, vandalism, and fire hazards. Expensive equipment, such as computers and projectors, can be stolen, while vandals may cause costly damage. Additionally, unnoticed water leaks or electrical faults can escalate into major issues. Investing in security solutions ensures your school remains protected and ready to reopen without delays.

2. What are the best security solutions for an empty school?

A combination of monitored alarms, CCTV surveillance, and security patrols provides the best protection. Monitored alarms detect movement, fire, or break-ins and trigger immediate alerts. CCTV towers offer round-the-clock surveillance with real-time monitoring. For extra security, manned guarding provides an on-site presence to deter intruders and respond to incidents.

3. How quickly can Clearway set up security for my school?

Clearway’s security solutions can be deployed within hours, ensuring immediate protection. The monitored alarm system takes just 20 minutes to install, while solar-powered CCTV towers can be set up quickly without the need for mains power. Security guards can also be arranged for short-term or long-term protection as needed.

Don’t Leave Your School Vulnerable This Winter

An unprotected school is an easy target, but with Clearway’s expert security solutions, you can ensure your premises remain safe, secure, and ready for the new term. Get in touch today to discuss the best protection for your school.

The post How to secure an empty school during the holidays appeared first on Clearway.

What To Do if Your Empty Property Has Been Broken Into

mike@tangibledigital.co.uk — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:17:45 +0000

Has your empty property been broken into? Experiencing a break-in at an empty property, whether a commercial unit or a residential home, is distressing. In too many cases, owners and property managers may be unaware that their premises have been targeted until the damage has already been done.

The key is to ensure you report criminal activity to the police and your insurer, and to take steps to prevent further incidents, without assuming that once a property has been broken into, it won’t happen again.

We’ve shared some advice on what to do in the immediate aftermath and why reinforcing your security is essential – because a vulnerable, vacant property that has already been targeted presents an enticing prospect to opportunistic criminals.

Responding After a Break-in at Your Empty Property: Key Takeaways

As soon as you discover your empty property has been broken into, you should inform the police via the 101 line. The exception is if you suspect there is any possibility that an intruder is still on site; in this case, you should call 999.
You’ll then need to call your insurance company with your crime number and follow their instructions carefully.
At this point, you shouldn’t touch anything or attempt to repair damage if a police response unit is en route, as this could interfere with their ability to gather evidence.
When the police have left or if they advise that they are unable to attend, you will need to consider the fastest ways to secure entry points and the longer-term need to improve the security of your vacant property.

We act quickly to secure your vacant property or site after a break in. If you need urgent advice following a break in, please get in contact with Clearway today.

Informing the Police and Your Insurer After an Intrusion at a Vacant Property

Step one is to call the police. In most cases, you should dial 101, which is the non-emergency line. The police will log the incident and issue you with a crime reference number, which you will need to pass on to your insurer.

However, if you think a break-in is happening now or that someone could still be inside, you should not enter the building. Please call 999 and inform the dispatcher that a crime is in progress.

The next task is to contact your insurance provider. Vacant property insurers always state that you must let them know as soon as possible if there has been a claimable incident, and this can help avoid delays in processing your claim.

Insurers will commonly also impose conditions that you must meet for your cover to remain valid. For example, they might instruct you to change the locks, have broken windows boarded up, or secure a broken door within 24 hours.

How to Handle Immediate Security Issues After a Vacant Property Break-in

Once you have made the necessary calls and waited for the police to attend, where applicable, you’ll then need to assess how intruders gained access and how to secure the affected doors and windows as quickly as possible.

We’d suggest calling our security specialists, because we can recommend the rapidly deployable solutions we can put in place, including the following.

Physical Defences After a Break-in at an Empty Property

Some security services are designed to physically stop anyone without permission from getting to your property, opening a door or window, or reaching your building with a vehicle. Depending on how the intruder entered your property, you might need to consider:

Boarding up windows, fitting steel security screens, and replacing smashed glass without damaging the frames or brickwork.
Installing keyless security doors or key-operated alternatives which cannot be drilled, crowbarred or forced open.
Using concrete barrier blocks to prevent vehicular access, especially where there are paths or routes to an unsupervised entry point.

Clearway operates nationwide and offers urgent responsiveness to emergencies. If you need the property to be protected right now, we can also deploy manned guards to patrol or remain on site in the interim.

Guarding and Mobile Patrols for Void Units After an Intrusion

SIA-licensed guards can be stationed in various locations, depending on the access points to the empty property and the severity of the security risks you’re dealing with. We can:

Deploy security guards and mobile patrols to monitor the site or provide an ongoing presence until improved security measures are installed.
Organise regular property inspections, where guards will monitor for any signs of suspicious behaviour or attempted tampering before another break-in occurs.
Provide keyholding, which means a guard will attend your property when you or any other authorised person, such as an agent or contractor, wishes to gain access.

The latter is ideal for longer-term vacancies, particularly where the threat of criminal activity is high, as property owners and managers are most vulnerable when unlocking and locking doors, and when keys or entry codes may be visible.

Installing Alarms and Surveillance for Your Empty Property

Alarm systems and 24/7 monitoring are common conditions of coverage, but if you don’t currently have an effective security system in place, the options may include the following:

Fitting wireless vacant property alarms with video verification, which capture footage when the alarm is triggered to confirm the cause
Adding signage to warn prospective intruders that guard patrols and alarms are in operation
Dispatching solar or battery-powered CCTV surveillance units, which can cover areas of land around the property without requiring mains electricity
Perimeter intrusion detection devices, which create virtual boundary lines around the property and are activated when any human movement is detected.

Clearway’s Alarm Response Centre can monitor all types of alerts, whether from a wireless vacant property alarm, a CCTV system or a perimeter intrusion detection system.

The benefit is that, when an alarm is activated, trained responders will determine the cause and act, whether standing down a false alarm, notifying you of a live break-in, or liaising with the police to ensure they intercept the intruders before they leave the site.

All of these security services and devices can deter intruders, demonstrate that your vacant property is not an easy target for opportunistic criminals, and provide you with the peace of mind that a further break-in is unlikely, if not impossible.

For more information about responding to a break-in, you are welcome to contact us. Alternatively, you will find further details about each service mentioned here on the Clearway website.

The post What To Do if Your Empty Property Has Been Broken Into appeared first on Clearway.

Avoiding Business Rates on an Empty Property – Guide for Landlords

The Clearway Team — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 09:25:16 +0000

If you own commercial property that is currently sitting empty, you might be asking yourself – do I have to pay business rates on an empty property?

Unfortunately for UK property owners, having your commercial property empty will not make you exempt from paying business rates. You’ll be liable for business rates within the first 3 months of your property being empty. However, there are some instances where you can avoid paying business rates on your commercial property that we’ll discuss in this article.

Avoiding business rates on an empty property – quick facts:

Commercial properties used for religious purposes, supporting or educating disabled people, or primarily for agriculture or fish farming are exempt from business rates in England.
Empty commercial properties may be exempt from business rates until re-occupation if they are severely damaged, leased to charitable or religious organisations, or temporarily converted to residential use through property guardians.
Empty commercial properties are still liable for business rates after a standard 3-month relief period, though extended relief applies for industrial buildings (6 months total), listed buildings, properties under £2,900 rateable value, and those owned by charities or amateur sports clubs until they are reoccupied.

What are Business Rates?

Business rates are the tax rates that an owner pays on commercial property, with some long-standing exemptions. In England*, you are fully exempt from paying business rates if your commercial property falls under one or more of the following categories:

Properties registered for religious use
Properties used to help or educate disabled people
Properties related to agriculture (in which the main purpose of the building is agriculture, fish farming etc)

*(For properties in Scotland, Wales and Ireland, these rates differ and you’ll need to consult each official government website for updated regulations.)

What does empty mean for business rates?

If your commercial property is currently empty, you may still be liable to pay business rates. While all commercial properties will benefit from a 3-month period of relief from business rates, there are also several types of commercial properties that will enjoy an extension to this relief period.

If your commercial property belongs to one or more of the following categories, you’ll be eligible for an extended period of relief for business rates, provided that your property is fully empty and not in use:

Industrial commercial properties (3 month extension, 6 months in total of business rates relief)
If your building is a listed building, you will only begin paying business rates once the property is occupied once again
If your property is worth less than £2,900, you will only begin paying business rates once the property is occupied once again
If the property is owned by a known and registered charitable organisation, business rates will re-apply only when the building is occupied again (provided that the building will be again used for charitable purposes)
If your building is used exclusively as an amateur sports club, business rates will only re-apply once the building is occupied once again for the same purpose

3 ways of avoiding business rates on an empty property

If you own commercial property and it’s currently empty, there are a number of ways that your building might be exempt from paying business rates until it’s re-occupied. Don’t forget that the 3-month exemption from business rates applies uniquely to the property, not the landlord. You cannot avoid business rates by constantly switching or changing ownership, as the rates apply to the building, not the landlord.

Here are some ways you can avoid paying business rates on an empty property:

Damaged building (incapable of occupancy)

If your building has recently experienced severe damage, you can make a case against paying business rates as your property will be considered unsuitable for “beneficial occupancy.” If you make this claim, you’ll need to prove that the building has experienced severe damage that has rendered it impossible or unethical to let.

Fire damage, flood damage, and damage to the structural integrity of the building would make this case, while some other moderate damage (faulty electricity or lighting) may also be covered. Some property owners try to interfere with the functionality of their property in order to avoid business rates, but this is not recommended and in no way guarantees exemption.

Lease the building to a charitable or religious organisation

If your property will remain empty for the foreseeable future, you can avoid business rates by leasing the building to a charitable or religious organisation. Provided that the building will be used exclusively for charitable purposes, properties used for charity will enjoy an 80% reduction in business rates. Businesses used for religious purposes will enjoy business rates exemption at 100%, again provided that it will be used exclusively for religious purposes.

Make use of property guardians

If you want to avoid paying business rates on an empty property, one of the easiest ways to achieve exemption is to make use of “property guardians.” Property guardians will live temporarily in the building, switching the property from a commercial property to a residential building. When you switch from commercial property to residential, you’ll stop paying business rates and pay council tax instead, saving around 90%.

Find out more about vacant property rules

If you’re new to the nuances of vacant property, get in touch with Clearway today and enquire about our vacant property management services. We’re experts in empty property security, offering everything from temporary alarms to metal security doors and screens. We secure, monitor and protect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay business rates on an empty property?

Yes, most empty commercial properties are liable after a 3-month relief period, though some exemptions and extensions apply.

Which properties are exempt from business rates?

Buildings used for religious, charitable, agricultural, or disability-related purposes may qualify for full exemption.

Can I reduce or avoid business rates on an empty building?

You might if the property is damaged, leased to a charity, or temporarily converted for residential use.

How can I protect an empty commercial property?

Vacant property specialists like Clearway can secure, monitor, and manage unoccupied buildings to keep them compliant and protected.

The post Avoiding Business Rates on an Empty Property – Guide for Landlords appeared first on Clearway.

How much do security guards cost to hire?

studio@vanillabeancreative.com — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 09:48:49 +0000

So how much does it cost to hire a security guard? The exact cost of a security guard hire service depends on a number of considerations, however, as an indication, the typical cost of a security guard in the UK can vary widely between £35 to £200 an hour.

Some firms will charge hourly rates, and others will provide a fixed quote, but it’s always advisable to have a clear indication of costs before going ahead. This helps manage your budget effectively, and ensure there aren’t any unpleasant surprises.

As mentioned, there are many factors that affect the price so let’s look at some of the most significant factors to consider when calculating your security costs.

Need a quote quickly? The quickest way to find out how much a security guard will cost for your business is to get in touch with us with your details here. We can provide a no-obligation quote.

Average Security guard cost factors explained

Safety and security are always important considerations for businesses, events and sites. Hiring a professional security guard not only gives a positive impression about the status of your business but prevents disturbances and provides peace of mind that your business is protected but what are the factors that affect the cost?

You may think that there is a significant variance in the prices mentioned above – this is because there are a number of factors that affect the cost of a security guard.

How long will your hire period be?

The duration of a security appointment is likely to vary considerably. You might be considering contracting a guard for:

A fixed number of regular hours.
A full-time position.
A one-off event.
A temporary site security requirement.

Usually, a longer-term contract will be more cost-effective in terms of cost per hour. You’ll benefit from the economy of scale if the work is ongoing, long-term or for an extended period, there are cost savings available.

However, for many businesses, security requirements are prone to change. Having a security guard available during peak times provides valuable assurances when assets need protection, or while specific events or activities are taking place.

Hiring a professional for limited scope work will be slightly more expensive on an hourly basis than a longer-term contract, but brings added value in removing any ongoing cost liability.

Do you require a security dog?

K9 security provides an added layer of protection as the dogs act as a strong visual deterrent for those looking to breach security. Dog units can respond faster, cover larger areas of ground, and can be used for a wider range of purchases (such as sniffer dogs for drug detection).

If you require a security dog patrol, you will need to hire personnel who are trained dog handlers and have the appropriate vehicle, signage and equipment to provide a safe service which may increase the cost of security guard hire.

What type of event are you running?

Security guards are often assigned to a diverse range of events. As multi-faceted professionals, they can help with several requirements and provide services for all types of occasions.

Examples of scenarios when a security guard is required include:

Site security.
Public events.
Large-scale corporate events.
Opening of new facilities.
Busy periods in high-traffic venues.
Parties, celebrations and occasions.
Civic or corporate events.
Situations where large crowds are expected.

The type of security guard, their experience, and the resources required are dependent on the type of event you’re running.For example, significant events may need more than one member of staff, who must be experienced in crowd control. Events where minors are likely to be present need security guards well-trained in managing disturbances when younger people are present.

Do you need specialised guarding?

Security guards cover a broad range of services. If you need an in-depth and hands-on approach to every aspect of site safety, this more comprehensive level of security is likely to need a higher budget.

Other sites require simple patrols when venues are closed or not in use, although overnight patrols and unusual hours may be more expensive than daytime shifts.

Services available include:

Manned entrances.
Mobile patrols.
Canine units.
Ticketing management.
Fire safety controls.
Surveillance and reporting.
Keyholding services.
Emergency response.
Bodyguard services.
Valuable asset protection.

What location do you need security guards for?

Your security guard will need to travel to your site or venue, so a remote location may be more expensive to guard, given the additional travel time required.

Some locations will present specific challenges, and others will carry more rigorous security requirements depending on how public access is, and how many entry and exit points are available.

Examples of service variations dependent on location include:

Public events hosted in large buildings such as corporate offices or schools will require private access areas to be cordoned off, or guarded.
Ticketed or restricted entry sites will require entrance security, verification of passes or tickets, and scrutiny of credentials.
Open spaces such as outdoor sites require more rigorous crowd control and a high level of awareness around entrance points and potential risk factors.
Enclosed places will require additional security checks around fire safety management.
Locations with heavy traffic demand more precise control of the flow of traffic, pedestrian access and crowd control.

In any location, a security guard can keep your site running smoothly and ensure that only authorised visitors gain entry. However, the diversity of location and type of venue will have an impact on the overall cost.

What is the experience of the security guard?

It is always advisable to hire security guards who have substantial experience and hold relevant qualifications and accreditations. Specialised events and bespoke services are likely to cost more but are essential for providing adequate protection for sites or occasions carrying a higher risk.

Choosing security personnel in your local area will reduce travel costs, and have the added benefit of local, on the ground knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a security patrol cost?

Security patrol costs vary depending on the frequency of patrols, the size of the site, and whether you require foot patrols, mobile patrols or both. As a guide, mobile patrol services typically start from £25 per visit, while more frequent or complex patrol patterns will increase the overall cost. Sites that require detailed reporting, wider coverage or additional checks (such as lock/unlock services) may also pay a higher rate.

What is the average security guard cost per month?

Monthly costs depend on the number of hours covered. A standard security guard rate of £35 to £200 per hour can translate to anywhere from £4,000 to £18,000+ per month for regular daily cover. Businesses requiring 24/7 security or multi-guard coverage will see a higher monthly total. Most providers offer reduced hourly rates for long-term contracts.

How much does private security cost in the UK?

Private security services in the UK can range widely depending on the type of service required. Specialised services such as close protection, dog handling or event security can cost £50 to £150 per hour. Costs depend on risk level, location, duration, and the experience of the personnel provided.

How much does 24-hour security cost?

A full 24/7 security presence generally involves rotating shifts of multiple guards. For a single-guard 24-hour cover, organisations may expect costs from £15,000 to £30,000+ per month, depending on the hourly rate, risk level and site complexity. Higher-risk environments may require more than one guard per shift, which increases cost significantly.

What is the cost of residential security patrol?

Residential patrols tend to be more affordable than fixed guarding because they are shared across multiple properties or completed on a scheduled route. Prices typically depend on location, number of visits per night, and whether additional checks (doors, windows, garages, outbuildings) are required. Premium services like rapid response or alarm integration may incur additional costs.

The expertise of your security guards is invaluable to your peace of mind, so it is worth stretching your budget where possible to hire outstanding personnel who have the experience to manage your events, sites, staff and assets effectively. Many security companies seem to offer a good service when you read the sales literature, but they’re unreliable, leading to potentially costly breaches. If you’re looking to speak with an experienced security guard hire specialist about manned guarding services, get in touch with Clearway today.

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Metal Theft: Understanding the Severity of the Problem and the Best Preventative Solutions (Update)

studio@vanillabeancreative.com — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 11:21:52 +0000

Metal theft costs the UK economy around half a billion pounds per year – it’s a serious problem that isn’t going away.

The resale value of certain commonly used metals continues to make metal theft a highly prized activity for adventurous, risk-taking thieves in the UK and across Europe. While some businesses assume that metal theft is mainly a problem for fabricators and automotive manufacturers, the reality is that it impacts every sector (including yours), with substantial cost impacts.

From office blocks to churches, construction sites to railways, warehouses to utility sites, you could be running a high-risk target that could suffer significant and costly damage as thieves steal metal to resell.

In this article, we’ll examine why metal theft is such a persistent issue and what you can do to keep your business safe.

Key Takeaways

Metal theft costs the UK economy roughly half a billion pounds yearly, and 60 known organised crime groups are engaged in this illegal activity.
As of the latest stats in 2024, metal theft has cost the UK economy £4.3bn since 2013.
According to the British Metals Recycling Association, thefts of high-value metals, including vehicle components, have grown 170% since 2013.
Security measures such as CCTV surveillance, security patrols, and advanced perimeter intrusion detection devices can effectively prevent metal theft.
Thefts of catalytic converters soared from 10,049 in 2013 to 27,195 last year – a rise of 170 percent.

Why Is Metal Theft Continuing to Rise?

The value of scrap metal rises and falls with the economy, but copper wire and pipes, soldered copper (braziery) and brass all hold a relatively consistent high-value year on year – and have only risen with the recent cost of living crisis.

For example, UK Metals indicates that copper stripped from cables can fetch £6.45 per kilo.

One residential home has just under 200 kilos of copper wiring and cables, alongside countless other fixtures and fittings, demonstrating why this criminality appeals to thieves and organised criminals.

Thieves will take pipes, cabling, cylinders, handles, taps, signs, roofing material, equipment, fittings, and even bronze statues and church bells—anything they can sell as scrap metal.

Larger-scale thefts might target railway signalling and overhead power cables, catalytic converters from vehicles, manhole covers, and emergency generators. The ramifications aren’t solely in replacing stolen items and the increased cost of insurance, but the extreme damage caused to service users.

Metal thefts have caused considerable delays within public transport networks, resulted in widespread problems with power networks and telecoms systems, and meant essential services like hospitals or schools need to temporarily close.

How Widespread Is the UK’s Metal Theft Problem?

According to Europol, metal theft crosses all social, economic, and cultural boundaries. It affects the transport, energy, business, and telecommunications sectors, causing devastating losses to industry and local businesses alike and major disruption to essential public services.

In 2021/2022, metal thefts sharply rose compared to the previous year, indicating that the problem may have been accelerated by the cost-of-living crisis in 2022, which continued in 2023.

During the 2022/23 period, metal theft data remained high, with a slight drop of 4.9%, with reported incidents falling from 29,920 to 28,446. Of course, those figures only represent metal thefts in England and Wales and those reported to the local police force.

View source

A Case Study on the Impacts of Metal Theft

Blackpool Council were forced to remove public artworks from display and replace them with replicas when three of four lead-based figures were stolen from a park where they had stood since 1926.

“It’s devastating,” says Elaine Smith, Chairwoman of the Blackpool Civic Trust. “These statues are part of Blackpool’s heritage. To us, they are priceless, and these thieves will get a few pounds in cash for them.”

When the theft of a single section of copper cable was stolen from a railway line in West Yorkshire, the knock-on effect caused chaos for thousands of passengers. More than 100 trains were delayed for over 17 hours, with the cost of the damage to property in excess of £80,000.

‘Metal theft has always been an issue, particularly for clients in remote settings or industrial parks where criminals know they can enter undetected overnight or during weekends, raiding warehouses, storage bays, parking facilities and equipment stores.

It’s essential that businesses and property owners avoid complacency and take proactive measures to ensure that lax security or a lack of surveillance doesn’t elevate their risk profile and make their site an attractive prospect for thieves.’

Who Is Being Affected By Metal Theft?

As we’ve seen, metal theft doesn’t apply only to industries that focus on metal production or that use metals in manufacturing processes. An independent retailer with a metal security grid over its storefront, a church with a heritage roof, or a property owner with an empty commercial or residential unit may all be targeted.

Metal thieves tend to focus on places where opportunities are plentiful, and security is low, so vacant properties and unguarded areas are at the top of the target list.

The thrill and financial reward are so great that neither the chance of being caught nor the likelihood of personal injury are sufficient deterrents to determined thieves. These are simply risks worth taking.

However, the lasting impact of metal theft is considerable. This crime continues on a daily basis to cause serious loss and disruption to property owners, farmers, landowners, and rural business owners alike.

According to James Kelly, CEO of the British Metals Recycling Association, the rise in incidents is due to two main factors: the price of metal and poor enforcement of regulations and the law.

What Can You Do to Prevent Metal Theft?

Thoroughly reviewing your sites and properties and being pragmatic about the likely risks of illegal entry and the security measures you currently have in place are good places to start. Our previous guides offer further information to help you learn more about property risk inspection.

Basic measures, such as not leaving copper piping at building sites or unused/exposed copper cabling alongside railway lines, will help. You may also need to remove gaps in perimeter fences near property or railway lines and introduce controlled access for utility companies or tradespeople.

Effective security, both for the short and long-term protection of a property, is a wise investment compared to the cost of replacing stolen metalwork, potential property damage, and business or service downtime.

CCTV towers – can be used to keep eyes on your construction site at all times.
Internal motion detection and video-verified alarms can be utilised for vacant or occupied buildings out of hours.
Steel panels and keyless metal security doors can secure openings in vacant properties. Please visit our dedicated pages for more vacant property security solutions.
Effective perimeter security in the form of concrete blocks and Heras Fencing, backed up by 24/7 monitored CCTV or a video-verified alarm system, may be worthwhile investments.
Hired security guards or dog patrols also provide highly effective physical and visual deterrents.

These solutions are just some of the many strategies we might recommend for safeguarding your business or premises from metal theft and reinforcing defences across the board. For more information, please contact the security specialists at Clearway for a confidential discussion at your convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Metals Are Most Often Stolen in the UK?

Thieves target a wide range of metals, including steel, copper, aluminium, bronze, brass, and iron. Metals have a high scrap value, which means that fixtures and infrastructure containing metal may be targeted, from train tracks to wiring, manhole covers to transformers, and even monuments and beer kegs.

What Is the Best Way to Protect My Business From Metal Theft?

The best possible security will depend on a complete risk assessment, where we can assess the layout of your site, the types of valuable materials you have, and access points that might be most appealing to opportunist thieves.

We can then recommend a comprehensive security system, whether that means a video-verified security alarm for an empty unit, regular patrols by qualified security teams, or adding around-the-clock CCTV surveillance.

The post Metal Theft: Understanding the Severity of the Problem and the Best Preventative Solutions (Update) appeared first on Clearway.

Fly-tippers caught on CCTV

studio@vanillabeancreative.com — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 12:26:47 +0000

Illegal fly-tipping remains a major issue for councils and private land-owners across the UK, and those responsible will go to any lengths to avoid paying for waste removal services. They will dispose of their unwanted rubbish and possibly hazardous waste, despite the risk of being caught on CCTV.

Recently a CCTV installation company in West Yorkshire captured, on their own CCTV security system, clear footage of fly tippers, including the vehicle registration and the identities of those involved, as they off-loaded waste material, mattresses, foam and bedding parts on the road.

In the video footage the driver is seen edging the vehicle forward to allow more and more waste to be dumped onto the road.

Ironically, the camera that caught these fly-tippers was hidden, suggesting the perpetrators were avoiding all the cameras they could see. This highlights the point that having CCTV cameras on full view is, in itself, a highly effective deterrent.

It is frustrating that as the land is privately owned, there is little the authorities can do, but the company posted the camera footage on social media and this has prompted the council to investigate further. Incidents like this can be handled by specialised fly-tipping removal companies.

The state of fly-tipping in 2025

Unfortunately, fly-tipping incidents like this are only becoming more frequent. Here are the latest fly tipping stats:

In England, local authorities dealt with 1.15 million fly‑tipping incidents in the year April 2023–March 2024—up 6% from 1.08 million the previous year.GOV.UK
That amounts to approximately 3,157 incidents per day—or one every 27 seconds. Hippo Waste
Over the last five years, reports have risen by over 20%.
Household waste was involved in 60% of cases (688,000 incidents), rising 5% year-on-year.
The most common incident sizes:
- Small van loads (31%)
- Car-boot-sized or smaller (28%)
- Large-scale incidents (tipper‑lorry loads) rose by 11% to 47,000 incidents and cost £13.1 million to clear.
Most fly‑tips happened on highways (pavements/roads) at 37%; next were footpaths & bridleways (19%), then council land (17%).

The costs of fly tipping are ramping up

Fly-tipping isn’t just an eyesore — it’s expensive. In England alone, clearing large-scale dumps cost councils around £13.1 million last year. Factor in investigations, enforcement, and legal action, and the bill to the public sector climbs to an estimated £84 million.

Councils are trying to clamp down, but the figures show it’s an uphill battle. In 2023/24, they carried out 528,000 enforcement actions — everything from warning letters to legal proceedings. Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) remain the most common tool, with 63,000 issued last year, although that’s 5% fewer than the year before.

Court prosecutions are rarer, with just 1,378 cases making it that far — an 8% drop year-on-year. The average fine? Around £530. But here’s the problem: only about 0.1% of incidents result in prosecution, and a significant number of fines go unpaid. It means the financial and legal deterrent for offenders is still limited.

Policy Response & Crackdown

2025 has seen the government step up its response. Councils now have the power to seize and crush vehicles used in fly-tipping, and offenders can be billed for the cost. Technology is also being brought into the fight, with drones and AI CCTV increasingly used to catch perpetrators in the act.

Penalties are getting tougher too. Illegal waste transport and dumping can now lead to prison sentences of up to five years, and anyone handling waste must hold a valid licence — a move aimed at shutting down rogue operators.

Some campaigners are pushing for even more measures, such as adding penalty points to driving licences for littering, introducing packaging levies, and expanding bottle return schemes. Meanwhile, Scotland’s upcoming landfill ban in January 2026 is raising concerns that reduced waste disposal options could drive fly-tipping rates higher if not managed carefully.

Remember Clearway if you’ve been a victim of fly tipping.

We help tackle fly-tipping head-on with a mix of prevention, detection, and rapid response. Our mobile CCTV towers, fixed surveillance systems, and 24/7 CCTV monitoring services act as a visible deterrent and provide the evidence needed to support enforcement action. From rural land to busy urban sites, we design security solutions that stop waste crime before it starts, protect your property, and reduce the costly impact of illegal dumping.

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How are Sniffer Dogs and Security Dogs Trained To Find Drugs?

studio@vanillabeancreative.com — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:57:31 +0000

There are a number of standards and accreditations, such as the National Association of Security Dog Users (NASDU) to regulate the usage of dogs in security environments.

In this guide, we explore sniffer dog training and the activities that security dogs undertake before they’re ready for operational duties, from building a strong bond with their handler to mastering obedience, agility, protection, and scent detection skills. We’ll also look at the specialist techniques used to train drug detection dogs, the different patrol methods they may use in the field, and how these highly skilled canines become an integral part of a professional security strategy.

Key Takeaways

Scent Association Method – Sniffer dogs are trained to associate the smell of specific substances with a reward, such as a toy or treat, making detection work exciting and motivating.
Positive Reinforcement Focus – Training uses play-based rewards to encourage accuracy, consistency, and enthusiasm, ensuring dogs stay engaged and effective in the field.
Indication Techniques – Dogs are taught clear signals to alert their handler, either passively (sitting or standing) or actively (digging, pawing, barking) when a target scent is found.
Training security dogs

Training a security dog starts with their handler, who must undertake rigorous studies and practical testing to hold appropriate registrations and accreditations.

Usually, a canine security team will consist of the same handler/dog combination, who are experienced in working together and communicating with each other.

There are multiple stages to training security dogs, including:

Obedience training, so that the dog can respond immediately to any number of commands including which direction to turn, sitting, staying, leaving and recall.
Agility training – security dogs are agile and fast. Their training includes learning how to navigate serious obstacles such as solid walls, long jumps and high fencing.
Protection training – security dogs are usually taught to bark when they sense an intruder. They are also trained in protecting the welfare of their handler, and how to apprehend intruders safely.

Sniffer dog training for drug detection

One of the most popular reasons to consider using K9 security is in locations where there is potential for drug abuse.

Security dogs aren’t there to be petted. They are highly trained, efficient and focused. Drug detection dogs surpass the accuracy of any human interaction or manual screening.

Professional dog handlers train these canines using toys and treats – so they find their work exciting, challenging, and fun.

In essence, a drug detection dog is taught to associate the smell of the substance(s) they are screening for with a toy, or perhaps a preferred treat. This creates a tangible link between sourcing any drugs, and the smell of the dog’s favourite toy.

The benefits include:

Having a flexible security approach, with dogs working either on or off the lead.
Fast reactiveness when drugs are detected.
A passive security presence to avoid the intrusion of manual screening.
Reliability and accuracy of drug detection.
Assistance and support for human security personnel.
The ability to screen large areas or numbers of people simultaneously.

Locations where drug prevention is critical include:

Open plan event spaces.
Multi-occupancy premises.
Public events.
Educational establishments.
Borders and boundaries.

Identifying drugs with canine patrols

Detection dogs are trained to let their handler know when drugs are present. This indication can be given in several ways, depending on the type of training.

Passive indications occur when the dog is trained to sit or stand when they detect drugs.
Aggressive indications include digging, pawing or barking at the location.

Similarly, security dogs work in a variety of ways, and the most appropriate solutions depend on their purpose and the site they are protecting.

Passive patrols use a dog on a lead that is under the control of their handler at all times. This type of patrol is unintrusive and helps security guards to identify potential issues or detect drugs, without any direct contact.

Proactive patrols usually have the canine off the lead, although they remain under firm control. This allows for more detailed searches and is ideal in busy areas or where large premises require searching.

Dual-purpose patrols cover both types of security and can respond accordingly to situations or risks that arise.

Choosing the right security dog unit

One of the many benefits of using canine security is the flexibility of services available. Some dog patrol units specialise in particular types of protection, whereas others will cover a wider remit.

Dogs are popularly used in patrol services, where their superior speed, hearing, agility and sense of smell can identify intruders far quicker than any trained security guard.

This type of patrol is often a deterrent in itself, as the majority of criminals will avoid any sites or businesses with a canine patrol, choosing to target more vulnerable settings with weaker security.

Every Clearway canine security team holds NASDU accreditation, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and skill. This qualification involves regular professional training, so you are assured that your security team remains at the forefront of new protection techniques.

For more information about how dog security patrols and drug detection services can augment your site safety, contact the Clearway team who can recommend the most robust solutions for your requirements.

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How to Evict Travellers From Private Land: A Checklist

mike@tangibledigital.co.uk — Sat, 10 May 2025 06:15:38 +0000

Finding that travellers have set up an encampment on your land, hardstanding, or business premise can be stressful. If you’ve encountered this issue before, you’ll know that it’s not something the police can necessarily help with.

UK laws exist that protect the rights of private landowners, but the correct procedures and the right to use force differ considerably from scenarios where travellers have set up on land owned by the highway authorities or local council.

The primary contrast you need to know is that because travellers are using private land, this is deemed a civil matter rather than a criminal offence. However, if there are indications of criminality, the police may be able to intervene, and they will often need to be informed before an eviction to supervise and ensure any aggression is dealt with swiftly.

Clearway’s eviction specialists have compiled this checklist to highlight the laws, rights, and procedures for safely and lawfully evicting travellers from your private land.

Traveller Eviction Facts:

Private landowners can evict travellers from their land or premises but rely on Common Law eviction procedures. The police and local authority will often not get involved if there is no evidence of unlawful behaviour since traveller encampments on private land are treated as a civil matter rather than criminal activity.

Evictions must follow a set process to be upheld and legal, and the eviction itself should only be carried out by a qualified, experienced agent, usually a Certified Enforcement Officer with the requisite knowledge and training.

If travellers refuse to vacate private land and other attempts to order them to leave have been unsuccessful, the landowner can pursue a court-enforced order called a Writ of Possession. This step is usually the final course of action and must be backed by a legitimate court order to be actionable.

Traveller Eviction Checklist for Private Landowners

In every instance, whether travellers are located on a field, agricultural land, business premises, hardstanding or car parking area, or within the boundary of your land, the key is to act swiftly and decisively without making any threats or attempts to physically remove them.

This response is often a result of frustration or anger, but could put you, as the private landowner, at risk of legal action.

Therefore, it is paramount that you consult an experienced team to represent you and ensure travellers are evicted and prevented from returning with minimal disruption and damage to your land or property.

Step 1: Giving Notice to Leave

The Criminal Justice Act, Section 61 gives landowners the right to remove travellers, working with Certified Enforcement Officers who will understand and follow a defined procedure to ensure an eviction is peaceful and lawful.

An Enforcement Officer will start the process by notifying the travellers that they are being asked to vacate the land, usually giving a 24-hour compliance period.

Only once notice has been given, and the travellers have been given the opportunity to leave of their own accord, can the eviction agents take further steps to remove them. Your representative will often take photos as evidence, which may also be useful in identifying how travellers have gained entry and documenting any damage caused.

Step 2: Evicting Travellers from Your Land

After the travellers have been given notice and this has been documented, the Certified Enforcement Officers can proceed with the eviction using limited force, which is referred to in Common Law as ‘reasonable’.

We recommend contacting the local police, who will often attend to prevent any escalations and keep the peace during the eviction. Trained agents will not damage vehicles or caravans, remove clamps placed on wheels, or respond in kind to threatening or aggressive behaviour.

Instead, they use conflict management techniques to ensure the travellers are made to vacate the land, often negotiating to provide a number of hours for travellers to pack belongings and move along under the supervision of the agents and any police in attendance.

Step 3: Responding to Refusal to Vacate

Most evictions are resolved peacefully, but there are scenarios in which travellers refuse to leave, knowing that an agent cannot, for example, physically remove people from inside a stationary caravan.

If there are signs of criminal activity, the enforcement team may request the police remain on standby or intervene. This action may be possible if two or more travellers:

Have caused demonstrable damage to the private land or property.
Have used aggressive or abusive language or behaviour to the landowner or agents.
Have parked more than six caravans or vehicles on the land and are refusing to move them.

If the travellers refuse to leave but have not committed a crime or caused an incident promoting police intervention, and the agents cannot legally remove them, the next step is to apply for a Writ of Possession.

Step 4: Seeking a Court Enforced Traveller Eviction

A Writ of Possession is granted by the courts and enforced by a High Court Enforcement Officer. The court will normally ask for evidence that the travellers have already been asked to leave and details of the negotiations or attempts made thus far.

This process is covered by the Civil Procedure Rules and requires a hearing. If the court supports the request and issues an eviction order, the Enforcement Officer will serve it to the travellers or post it prominently outside or at the entrance to the land.

The court can set a date by which the travellers must leave and a subsequent hearing date if they remain in situ. At that point, the landowner will be granted an eviction order, which enables the Enforcement Officer to regain possession.

Although this process can take longer, it is a secondary option if other efforts to evict travellers have not been successful. Refusing to leave once a Writ of Possession has been granted is a criminal offence, which enables the police to intervene and potentially prosecute trespassers who do not comply.

Step 5: Preventing Travellers From Re-entering Private Land

The final phase is to ensure your land or property is suitably protected and to proactively stop travellers from returning to your site or from other groups trying to access your privately owned land.

Options may include security fencing, PID systems, access controls for business premises, concrete barrier blocks around larger boundaries, regular site inspections, and security patrols.

If you need more advice about preventing unauthorised access to your land, evicting travellers, or reviewing your current security measures to prevent travellers from attempting to set up an encampment, you are welcome to contact the eviction team at Clearway for more customised advice.

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