And, further chances of longer-term building dilapidation.<\/p>\n
This boils down to a greater potential for damage and, therefore, a need for the right strategies and tools to address the vulnerabilities that these properties present.<\/p>\n
Now could be the time to act.<\/p>\n\n
<\/p>\n
The Three Ds<\/h2>\n
At Clearway, as specialists in empty commercial property, we often refer to the Three Ds:<\/p>\n
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- Detect<\/strong>. Sophisticated systems designed to spot intruders: CCTV and other high-tech security products to sense and record trespassers at your site. In addition, regular property inspections to identify any potential weak spots or issues.<\/li>\n
- Deter<\/strong>. Visual deterrents, such as lighting, fencing and signs. And, barriers to entry. In other words, measures that put off your would-be intruder and send them in the opposite direction.<\/li>\n
- Delay<\/strong>. Measures such as parking controls, commercial alarm systems<\/a>, roadblocks, and interior barriers to slow down an intruder and give your staff the time to alert you or the emergency services to the incident.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
They work together and are a force to be reckoned with. However, in this article, we need to add two more:<\/p>\n
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- Deny<\/strong>. Think: an upheld electronic hand communicating a \u201cHard No\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
These are products and services that deny unauthorised entry to your site or building. The process may involve access control solutions or manned security gates. Alternatively, steel doors and windows, perimeter security, concrete blocks, security gates, etc.<\/p>\n
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- Defend<\/strong>. Protecting and safeguarding your empty commercial property and shielding it from trespassers, squatters, thieves and arsonists. Defending a building creates a conceptual forcefield, safeguarding your assets and keeping them in good condition until the next commercial tenancy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While you will need a complete security strategy that includes digital surveillance and automated alarms, this piece focuses on these last two objectives:\u00a0deny<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0defend<\/strong>\u00a0–\u00a0actual physical security<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 tangible, practical and substantial.<\/p>\n
What is Physical Security?<\/h2>\n
Broadly, it\u2019s the preventative measures and practices you may put in place to protect physical security assets and resources from unauthorised access, theft, damage or harm.<\/p>\n
These are the essential solutions that can help to thwart and prevent breaches from happening in the first place. These types of physical security are a must-have. They are a material, impenetrable obstacle between your property and an invader.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re preventative problem-solvers in their own right.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with:<\/p>\n
A Risk Assessment<\/h2>\n
Do you know what you don\u2019t know? No, you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s impossible to protect your vacant commercial property adequately until and unless you\u2019re aware of a) what you need to protect, b) how effective or otherwise your current security measures are, and c) what actions your consultant recommends you take. Clearway offers an unbiased, independent assessment of all of the above, and we\u2019ve referred to this critical early-stage part of our engagement in\u00a0this article.<\/a><\/p>\n
After your risk assessment, you\u2019ll recognise which areas of your business premises are more likely to be vulnerable to intrusion or possible problems.<\/p>\n
What could be\u00a0your<\/em>\u00a0biggest threats? You\u2019ll know your priorities. These could include measures to secure your property against squatting, trespass, fire, wire tampering and public liability risks. Also, you will have an inventory of any vehicles, storage sheds or bays that may need stricter protection.<\/p>\n
Types of Physical Protection<\/h2>\n
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Locks<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A suitable starting point, of course.<\/p>\n
Entry points are the first thing an illegal intruder will look for. This means that basic physical security, such as high-standard door and window locks, offer a sound, straightforward solution. Locks\u00a0may<\/em>\u00a0be all that is required for your insurance cover \u2013 but it IS somewhat \u201cplain\u201d and you may need to implement extra steps.<\/p>\n
We recommend that you\u00a0contact Clearway<\/strong>\u00a0for advice.<\/p>\n
![\"Construction](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/iStock-827161522-1.jpg\")
chain and padlock on gate at construction site – lock on closed fence<\/p><\/div>\n
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Steel Screens and Steel Sheets<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Trespassers often enter vacant commercial buildings through windows, sometimes forcing even the largest and strongest locks. Step forward: steel screens and sheets<\/p>\n
Made from steel, security screens<\/a>\u00a0are fitted to the outside of the property, entirely covering each window and frame. They\u2019re secured to an internal steel frame, so there\u2019s little if any, damage. Regarding\u00a0steel sheets<\/strong>, there\u2019s a slight difference. The prefabricated, painted \u201cbox-folded\u201d screens are made from the same 3mm galvanised, perforated sheet steel. But where required, the sheet steel is hand-cut to fit difficult or awkward openings, such as arched or lancet church windows.<\/p>\n
![\"Clearway](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Clearway-Steel-Screens-scaled.jpg\")
\nThese products offer, quite literally,\u00a0nothing<\/em>\u00a0to the commercial burglar or trespasser.<\/p>\n
Tools such as crowbars cannot be inserted, and the screens are impossible to remove. Nothing can go through them, so fire starters with lit materials had best go elsewhere. They\u2019re heavy, sturdy and a true security stalwart. Equally exceptional, as they\u2019re perforated, they allow light and air to come into the building and circulate.<\/p>\n
Super-safe, yet great for ventilation.<\/p>\n
And talking of steel\u2026<\/p>\n
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Keyless Steel Doors<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Clearway offers the Keyless Toreador Steel Security Door, which is tested and certified to LPS1175 Issue 7, and is of such high quality that it\u2019s the only steel door in its class to be approved by the UK police for its security excellence.<\/p>\n
Access is via a unique five-digit code, which releases a multipoint frame-locking mechanism, and the door is opened by turning a recessed handle. The door is made from stainless steel, is 1\/5mm thick, and is reinforced to 3mm in key areas.<\/p>\n
Quite simply, once it\u2019s in place, it can\u2019t be removed, forced or tampered with.<\/p>\n
You can read more about them\u00a0here<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/keyless_door_1.jpg\")
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Perimeter Fencing and Access Controls<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A property\u2019s perimeter, by the simple fact that it\u2019s at your boundaries, is relatively large.<\/p>\n
So, there could be weak areas or specific places where CCTV may miss lawbreakers. In short, its defences may not be as robust as they should be. Once someone\u2019s in, they’re in. The edges of your property could be susceptible to ram-raiding, fly-tipping or illegal encampments. Therefore, your perimeter security solution could include monitoring systems and manned guards \u2013 but solid physical barriers to access should also take precedence.<\/p>\n
Security gates are a prominent, clear choice for your perimeter. They can be intimidating and play a significant role in managing the comings and goings of cars, vans, lorries, staff and visitors.<\/p>\n
Access Controls<\/a>\u00a0on security gates are ideal if you have a main entrance or just one point of entry.<\/p>\n
Do also consider your other access points, such as fire doors, rear doors and windows. The technology in these systems is pretty next-level: facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) deliver streamlined sophistication. Digital passes, security passes, and key codes are another practical layer of physical security.<\/p>\n
![\"Perimeter](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Perimeter-Security-Systems-from-Clearway.png\")
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Bollards and Barriers<\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
No vehicle is going to get past these.<\/p>\n
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- Defend<\/strong>. Protecting and safeguarding your empty commercial property and shielding it from trespassers, squatters, thieves and arsonists. Defending a building creates a conceptual forcefield, safeguarding your assets and keeping them in good condition until the next commercial tenancy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Deter<\/strong>. Visual deterrents, such as lighting, fencing and signs. And, barriers to entry. In other words, measures that put off your would-be intruder and send them in the opposite direction.<\/li>\n
![\"Clearway](\"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Clearway-Barriers-and-bollards-scaled.jpg\")
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