What Is a Property Inspection?
Within the UK, it is stated that there are over 170,000 vacant commercial properties in the UK alone, with an additional 600,000 in residential premises. Although vacant establishments are more susceptible to criminal activity, security solutions apply to all locations, regardless of size and location, leading to more businesses requiring a physical security presence. But what is a property inspection, and how does it effectively diminish the risk of unwanted activity?
Who Requires a Property Inspection?
There are no set definitions as to who requires a property inspection, especially since the unwavering benefits apply for both commercial or residential properties, regardless if they’re vacant or not. A mobile patrol unit is most commonly deployed for a thorough inspection of construction sites, businesses and vacant premises, with most intruders attempting to obtain monetary value through company assets or are generally opportunistic in their approach.
For many establishments, sophisticated CCTV security systems are a common integration due to their dynamic and innovative features. However, despite technology offering several benefits such as remote monitoring, wireless connections and instant recording, providing a tangible on-site presence is exceptionally effective at deterring intruders before they breach property boundaries.
What Does a Property Inspection Entail?
Mobile security patrols will inspect premises 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide a strong visual deterrent and eliminate commercial sites from being targeted by criminals. The inspections are conducted by a highly trained team that manages planned routes and tasks relevant to each location and its unique requirements. A general list of duties includes, but is not limited to:
- Patrols during public holidays and out-of-business hours
- Key holding and alarm response deployment
- Random interval checks to prevent patterns
- Notice signs of intrusion, vandalism or fly-tipping
- Notice any damage to land and potential hazards
- If unauthorised vehicles are on-site
- If CCTV has been tampered with and performing correctly
- If occupied by squatters
- Notice of pests
- Check the property is maintained and entry points are secure
- Maintain mailboxes
Physical security guards are trained to calmly handle escalated situations, provide detailed reports, rapidly respond to CCTV activity and contact local authorities where applicable.
Why Are Property Inspections Essential?
The importance of property security is eliminating criminal activity before it happens, rather than attempting to handle situations as they occur. The most common issues dealt with at properties include:
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Squatting
- Anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping
- Trespassing
Comply with Insurance
Vacant properties are particularly vulnerable establishments, with business owners often required to obtain unoccupied commercial property insurance. This is due to the higher risk of criminal damage and potential loss of expenses, and therefore insurance companies can often stipulate that regular building inspections must be carried out. This can be dictated by either the landlord, land owner, mortgage providers or local authorities, and can vary in value depending on the risk status of the building.
Retain Assets and Value
Regardless of criminal activity, a building will still be subject to wear and tear, even while unoccupied. Regular inspections help combat the need for expensive repairs from issues such as dampness, weather damage, fire risks and vandalism. This is significant in retaining the value of a site or property, particularly over an extensive period of time.
Maintaining Responsibility
Alongside protecting your own establishment, there is a legal obligation to maintain premises in order to not cause harm to others. This applies to the local neighbouring areas and even towards intruders if they were to get injured. Despite it appearing contradictory, it is still a legal obligation to ensure health and safety within your property boundaries.
As a business owner, regular property inspections are imperative to ensure maximum security for the site, while adapting to meet tailored requirements, offering owners full peace of mind.
Discover IPM Group’s Quality Security Systems
At IPM Group, we recognise that selecting the right security service for your business should align with your specified requirements, offering continuous support that protects your premises and the public.
As an award-winning multi-service security company, we offer the expertise needed to assist you in navigating the necessary processes for your business. With 24/7 monitoring, emergency call-outs, mobile patrols and state-of-the-art CCTV systems, we guarantee that your safety is our utmost priority.
For additional assistance, contact the IPM team today to discover security solutions tailored for you.