How to Secure an Empty Property

When a property is occupied, everyday activity provides a natural level of security. Lights are switched on, doors are opened and there is usually someone around to notice if something isn’t right.

When a property is left empty, those signs of occupancy disappear. The longer it remains vacant, the more important it becomes to consider how vulnerable the property is and what can be done to reduce the risk.

Whether you’re going away for a few days, a landlord between tenants or a business closing its premises, security shouldn’t stop at simply locking the front door.

Look at the Property as a Whole

Don’t focus only on the front door

A secure front door doesn’t necessarily mean the whole property is secure.

Rear and side doors, patio doors, accessible windows, garages and outbuildings can all provide potential points of entry. Older or worn locks can also become a weakness, particularly if they are difficult to operate or no longer provide an appropriate level of security.

This is where looking at the property as a whole can be more useful than simply checking individual locks.

A professional security survey can help identify areas that may be overlooked, from vulnerable windows to poorly secured secondary entrances.

Deal With Weaknesses Before You Leave

Small problems can become bigger problems

An empty period can be a good opportunity to deal with security issues that might otherwise be put off.

A lock that is becoming stiff or a door that needs lifting before it will lock properly might not seem urgent when someone is living at the property. If it fails while the building is empty, however, there may be nobody there to notice or deal with it.

Depending on the property, improvements could include:

• Repairing or replacing worn locks
• Upgrading vulnerable door locks
• Improving window security
• Addressing problems with door alignment

For some properties, an insurance-approved solution such as a BS3621 lock may be appropriate, although homeowners and landlords should always check their own insurance requirements.

Landlords: Don’t Overlook the Empty Period

Consider who still has access

For landlords, the period between tenants can create additional security considerations.

The property may be empty while being cleaned, redecorated or marketed, and there may be questions over who still has keys or access.

Changing locks between tenancies can give landlords greater control over access, while checking windows, external doors, garages and outbuildings can help identify other vulnerabilities.

For landlords managing multiple properties, having a reliable local locksmith available for routine repairs, upgrades and emergencies can also make property management easier.

Businesses Have More Than Burglary to Consider

Think about the wider impact

For businesses, an empty premises may contain stock, equipment, tools and valuable technology. But the impact of a break-in can extend beyond what is stolen.

A damaged door or broken window can leave a business unable to operate normally when staff return, creating additional disruption and repair costs.

Businesses that close for weekends, holidays or longer periods should therefore consider whether their existing locks and access points are still appropriate for the way the premises are being used.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

Have a plan before you need one

One of the biggest problems with an empty property is that nobody is there to respond.

A lock can fail, a window can be damaged or a door can develop an alignment problem. If nobody discovers the issue, the property could remain vulnerable for some time.

Having a plan for dealing with an emergency can therefore be just as important as the physical security measures.

Knowing who to contact for urgent lock repairs, replacements or boarding up means you aren’t trying to find help after an incident has already happened.

Simple measures such as arranging for someone to check the property, dealing with post and using timers for lights can also help avoid making a prolonged absence obvious.

Could Your Property Be More Vulnerable Than You Think?

Before leaving a property empty, don’t just ask “Have I locked everything?”

Ask:

• Are any locks worn or unreliable?
• Could someone access the property through a less obvious entrance?
• Does anyone else still have keys?
• Are garages and outbuildings adequately secured?
• Would someone notice quickly if there was a problem?
• Do you know who you would call in an emergency?

How Rocks Locks Can Help

At Rocks Locks, Stuart provides free security surveys for homes and businesses, helping identify potential weaknesses and recommend practical improvements.

Rocks Locks can also help with:

• Lock repairs and replacements
• Door and window security
• uPVC repairs
• Emergency boarding up following damage or a break-in

Checkatrade Approved | 9.95/10 rating | Fully insured | No call-out fee | 24/7 emergency service

Serving Camberley, Sandhurst, Farnborough, Yateley and surrounding areas.

Call Stuart on 07900 335525 to arrange a free security survey or discuss your property security.