In the last week or so we have seen weather warnings up and down the country with high winds and torrential rain in most parts. We also note that the Met Office has started naming the storms, presumably in alphabetical order staring with Abigail, and quickly moving to Barney in less than a week! Hopefully, they will not complete the alphabet before the end of the winter.
The onset of winter also spells out a much greater risk to your property, particularly as the wet weather turns to cold and freezing conditions. We can tell you, based on our experience over 23 years in business, we see a notable increase of intrusions to vacant properties at this time of year.
Staying with the met office theme, we thought we’d give you our own alphabetical checklist of things to consider with vacant property this winter:
A = Alarms
Alarms will not only be a deterrent, they will also alert you when the property has been breached. Installing one of our Multi-Purpose Alarms will also allow our response centre to be notified when issues arise.
B = Barricades and Bollards
Barricades and Bollards can protect the entrance to your property, preventing intruders, flytippers and joyriders from accessing your property.
C = Cameras
Cameras are highly effective in deterring thieves and intruders; they are also extremely useful in identifying the culprits if they do decide to attempt entry. SPS ARC will see them and liaise with the Police to catch them.
D = Doors
Doors provide access to your building, they are also traditionally the weakest point in the security of your building. SPS reinforced steel doors are the maximum-security option for preventing unauthorised access to your property.
E = Entry Points
In any property, there are identifiable entry points, these are usually the weakest areas in your security, and a thorough professional inspection will help you identify any areas of concern.
F = Fencing
Perimeter fencing is your first line of defence; it will keep out unwanted visitors and prevent damage to your property
G = Guarding
There may be certain instances when you need a full guarding service for your property; SPS provide a full range of guarding options that can be tailored to your specific requirements.
H = Hoardings
Hoardings offer a temporary line of defence when a property needs some protection for a short period of time.
I = Inspections
Regular property inspections ensure your property is as secure as it possibly can be at all times.
J = Joyriders
Joyriders love vacant spaces, especially these out of the gaze of the public and the police, places like car parks of vacant buildings. Whilst the may not intend it, they do invariably cause damage to the property, or even worse, themselves. Special care must be taken to deter joyriders from entering your property.
K = Knowledge
The best way to secure a property is to acquire as much knowledge of the property, its history, and its location. We pride ourselves in the level of knowledge we compile to ensure the security of each and every building we protect.
L = Lease Obligations
You may be leasing a property that is currently vacant, but this doesn’t relieve you of your obligations to protect the building. Most leases will demand that you maintain the property whether you occupy it or not.
M = Manhole Inspections
Manholes are traditionally a point of weakness in vacant properties. Regular inspections will prevent long-term damage to the property.
N = No Entry
No entry to your vacant property is what we strive for at all times.
O = Options
Protecting property is not an exact science, every building is different and presents its own set of challenges. SPS offer a range of options that ensure our solution protects your particular property.
P = PIR Alarms
Passive infrared sensors are a useful way to record activity in your property. These alarms are triggered by movement and then record the activity in the area of the camera. SPS fit many PIR alarms connected to their response centre.
Q = Quick
Our response is quick and effective – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
R = Response Centre
Protecting your property is our aim, however there will be occasions when property security is breached, that’s when you need a fast and efficient response. The SPS response centre operates 24/7 to ensure any intrusion is dealt with in a timely and effective manner.
S = Security Screens
Steel security screens will protect windows from unwanted intruders. We use patented technology to ensure that our steel screens can be fitted securely without any damage to the window glass.
T = Technology
The range of technology available to protect your property is vast. We hand pick and extensively test the technology we use in your property. We continue to invest in the latest, and best, technology available to make our service to you, fast, efficient and extremely effective.
U = Unwanted Visitors
Nobody wants intruders, our aim is to ensure your property is protected against them at all times.
V = Vandalism
Vandalism is a major problem for most vacant properties. We have extensive experience of protecting property against vandalism thus saving money on repairs and reinstatement.
W = Windows
Perhaps one of the weakest entry points of most vacant buildings. We cannot only prevent entry, we can protect glazed windows from vandalism with our steel security screens.
X = X
X is the probable outcome of an insurance claim if you haven’t taken appropriate steps to protect your vacant property!
Y = Your peace of mind
Our services are specifically designed to provide you with peace of mind that your property is secure.
Z = Zzzzzzzz
Many peaceful Z’s are a result of the peace of mind our security offers.
Whatever the situation, we suggest a long-term solution, rather than a short-term fix. Installing alarms and fitting steel doors and screens will help to restrict entry, which is important all year round but particularly during the winter months.
So, while the Met Office works its way through the alphabet, we’ve stormed ahead because we know winter weather brings its own set of problems, most of which can be avoided with proper planning.
If you’re looking for a long-term (or short-term) solution to secure your vacant property, you may wish to read our tips on important things to consider for your vacant property or alternatively you can get in contact with us.
SPS products and services are available on a range of flexible hire and purchase options, so why not contact us to discuss how we can help, on 08457 62 65 42, sales@spsdoorguard.com, or via our Contact Us page on the menu bar. We look forward to hearing from you.