The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has recently launched its newly created Vacant Property Protection Group, a sub-group of its Physical Security Equipment Section. The group has initially been working to create a code of practice for vacant property protection for businesses that provide security measures and services introduced when a property is at an increased risk of criminal attack as a result of a change of circumstances in its occupancy.
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has recently launched its newly created Vacant Property Protection Group, a sub-group of its Physical Security Equipment Section. The group has initially been working to create a code of practice for vacant property protection for businesses that provide security measures and services introduced when a property is at an increased risk of criminal attack as a result of a change of circumstances in its occupancy.
A typical vacant property, also known as a void or empty property, is a building that has been occupied but is temporarily not in use prior to a new owner or tenant moving in. Buildings that are temporarily unoccupied are more vulnerable to arson, burglary and vandalism. The code will cover the business arrangements and the need to have a clear agreement regarding responsibilities.
“It makes sense to create a Vacant Property Protection Group as this sector continues to expand, develop and become an important specialist branch of security,” said James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA.
The Vacant Property Protection Group has also elected Simon Alderson to Chair the group. Alderson is the Commercial Director for Vacant Property Specialists (VPS), a BSIA member company.
“The creation of this group highlights the specialist security requirements for vacant property management,” Alderson commented. “2012 saw worrying trends for empty properties, with a ten-fold increase in retail shop closures, over 60,000 metal theft crimes against business premises, and record storms.” Protecting and preparing premises appropriately can make the vital difference for the owners between re-letting or selling vacant properties, or seeing them remaining empty and falling into disrepair.
Simon, 37, has worked in this sector for over a decade and joined VPS in 2003 as a Business Development Manager. He has held a number of roles and Directorships, including GM, SmartPatrol Property Protection (VPS Group), and Innovations and Services Director.