Securing empty properties during recession can help combat the rise in property crime

Property managers are being urged to draw up extra measures to secure vacant properties, as the threat of recession-related crime becomes more probability than a possibility.

Property management specialists, Orbis Property Protection (soon to become SitexOrbis) believe that managers need to continue to invest in and emphasise safety and loss prevention – during the economic crisis – even with premises' standing empty, in order to avoid becoming victims of property crimes.

Vacant properties can be a catalyst for crime or pose an environmental hazard. Empty premises that are not maintained properly can have a negative impact on communities and surrounding areas.

“It is a fact that the ever growing number of vacant commercial properties are at risk of property crimes such as arson, burglary and vandalism,” says Mark Cosh, Sales & Marketing Director at Orbis Property Protection.

“Due to this increased level of risk, insurers are becoming reluctant to provide cover. On the other hand, if insurance is already in place, even where a property is vacant it is crucial that property managers ensure they comply with the mandatory insurance requirements, otherwise they may find that they are not covered should they need to make a claim.”

“A landlord’s statutory obligations remain even when a property is vacant,” says Cosh. It is key that property managers continue to adhere to health & safety, duty of care and building insurance requirements even for sleeping buildings or they may find their insurance cover is not valid.”

“Very recently we helped a major retailer who had closed 50 stores around the country and quickly found themselves with no security as their wired alarms provider relinquished the service immediately. Orbis came in and within two weeks had secured every building. We removed any combustible materials, drained the utilities, changed the locks, installed new security systems and have ensured that insurance requirements are maintained.”

With over 25 years experience in the property management field and having secured over 35,000 vacant properties, Orbis is ideally positioned to comment on the exponential increase in empty properties across the UK.

Orbis is a provider of integrated property and people security solutions Europe-wide. With over 25 years experience in the property management field, Orbis has 10,000 clients in both commercial and social sectors. The Orbis group of companies generates a combined turnover of in excess of £40 million and employs more than 600 people.

The group product and service offering is extensive. Some key products and services include; SITEX steel screens, permanent screens, wireless alarms, specialist cleaning, 24/7 response centre and empty property management services.

This Spring Orbis will become known as SitexOrbis The new company name will encompass the full Orbis group of companies currently trading in the U.K, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium. This development reflects the group’s increased activity on a pan-European level.

For further information please contact Orbis direct on telephone 08000 830 850 or email info@oppuk.com, www.oppuk.com, www.sitexorbis.com

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