
Highly visible deterrent to crime
It is a well known fact that vacant buildings are at heightened risk from fire, deterioration and criminal activity. During Covid-19 lockdowns there is an increased risk to businesses which should be addressed. We offer regular checks of buildings to see if there has been any damage from weather or attempted security breaches.
Our Covid-Secure inspection service is provided by fully trained and licensed personnel. Deploying a robust team of fully trained Security Professionals, we are the industry leaders in delivering reliable property inspections, giving you the peace of mind you need. This highly effective service has seen considerable growth and success over the last number of years.
We provide:
- Thorough property inspections – including the perimeter, buildings (inside and out), door and window security, all fixtures, fittings, and equipment.
- Detailed reporting – you receive detailed weekly reports confirming everything that has been checked, and we report all signs of intrusion, vandalism, and theft, as well as damage and infestation.
- Flexible checking intervals – whether you want inspections hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly, we can deliver the protection you need.
- A tailored service – whether you need equipment or stock checked, we can organise thorough checks to make sure you remain insurance compliant. We make sure the security checks are thoroughly completed, delivering all the assurance you need.
- We provide a full suite of specialist solutions across the complete property life cycle, as well as offering a wide range of Property Services for occupied property’s.
Call our sales team on 045 872090 for further details on how we can assist you.
Vacant Property Management Security
A vacant property management security company is fundamentally different from most other security services because the goal is not just deterrence—it’s preventing intrusion, damage, squatting, and environmental deterioration over long periods with minimal on-site presence.
Good providers are essentially combining security + facilities monitoring + risk maintenance + rapid intervention capability.
Vacant Property Management Security: Here are the key attributes to look for:
1. Strong vacant-property specific expertise
This is a specialist field, not general guarding.
Look for experience in:
- Empty residential buildings
- Vacant commercial units
- Construction “pre-handover” sites
- Probate / repossessed properties
- Development sites
- Long-term void management portfolios
Vacant properties behave differently: they attract trespass, vandalism, and environmental issues.
2. Robust inspection and patrol regime
Vacant properties rely heavily on routine checks.
Good providers offer:
- Scheduled inspections (weekly, bi-weekly, or risk-based)
- Randomised patrol timing (to avoid predictability)
- Internal and external checks
- Perimeter integrity inspections
- Evidence of entry checks (doors, windows, locks, boards)
The value is in consistency + unpredictability combined.
3. Detailed reporting with evidence
This is critical in vacant property management.
Expect:
- Time-stamped inspection reports
- Photographic evidence (before/after, issues found)
- GPS verification of attendance
- Checklist-based reporting
- Hazard or damage reporting
- Trend tracking across visits
Weak reporting = weak legal protection and poor asset control.
4. Rapid response capability
Vacant properties often need urgent intervention.
A strong provider can:
- Respond quickly to forced entry alerts
- Dispatch mobile units or keyholders immediately
- Coordinate emergency repairs (boarding, locksmiths, plumbers, electricians)
- Liaise with Gardaí or emergency services when needed
Speed of escalation is often more important than routine patrols.
5. Keyholding and secure access control
Vacant property security depends heavily on controlled access.
Look for:
- Secure key storage systems
- Strict chain-of-custody logging
- Dual authorisation procedures
- Emergency access protocols
- Key audit trails
Poor key management is one of the highest-risk failure points.
6. Property protection and hardening capability
Good companies don’t just observe problems—they reduce risk.
They should provide or coordinate:
- Boarding up broken windows/doors
- Temporary fencing
- Security lighting recommendations
- Alarm installation or monitoring integration
- CCTV installation or mobile surveillance
- Anti-squat measures (locks, barriers, signage)
This moves them from “security” to asset protection.
7. Strong intrusion and squatter prevention focus
Vacant properties are particularly vulnerable to:
- Squatting attempts
- Repeated break-ins
- Fly-tipping / dumping
- Drug use or antisocial activity
- Theft of fixtures and fittings
Good providers understand early indicators:
- Fresh footprints or disturbed access points
- Repeated tampering attempts
- Signs of occupation (bedding, waste, makeshift locks)
8. Environmental risk awareness
Vacant properties often deteriorate due to non-crime issues.
Look for checks covering:
- Water leaks or burst pipes
- Electrical faults or fire hazards
- Gas smells or ventilation issues
- Damp and mould development
- Structural deterioration
- Weather damage (roof, windows, drainage)
This is often overlooked but extremely important.
9. Strong escalation procedures
A good provider has clear rules for escalation:
They should define:
- When Gardaí are called
- When emergency services are contacted
- When the owner/property manager is notified
- When contractors are dispatched
- What constitutes “critical vs non-critical” issues
Without this, response becomes inconsistent.
10. Mobile patrol integration (often essential)
Many vacant property providers also operate mobile patrols.
Look for:
- Nearby patrol coverage density
- Randomised patrol scheduling
- Verified GPS attendance
- Ability to increase frequency during high-risk periods
- Multi-site routing efficiency
This creates deterrence without constant staffing costs.
11. CCTV and remote monitoring capability
Modern vacant property management often includes tech integration.
Good providers may offer:
- CCTV installation and monitoring
- Motion-triggered alerts
- Remote verification of alarms
- Live response coordination
- Evidence capture for insurance/legal use
This reduces reliance on physical visits alone.
12. Insurance and liability protection
Vacant properties carry elevated risk profiles.
Verify:
- Public liability insurance
- Employer liability insurance
- Keyholding insurance
- Professional indemnity (where applicable)
- Coverage for contractor interventions
This is essential for asset owners and insurers.
13. Experience with insurers and property managers
Strong providers understand stakeholder requirements.
They should be familiar with:
- Insurance inspection requirements
- Property management reporting standards
- Receivership or legal hold processes
- Claims documentation support
- Compliance reporting for insurers
This is often a key differentiator in professional firms.
14. Consistency and auditability
Vacant property protection is long-term.
Look for:
- Consistent inspection routines
- Supervisor audits
- KPI tracking (attendance, issues found, response times)
- Long-term trend reporting
- Client dashboard or reporting portal
You need proof of ongoing protection, not just visits.
15. Flexibility for changing risk levels
Vacant properties are dynamic.
Good providers can scale up or down based on:
- Increased break-in activity
- Construction phases
- Seasonal risk changes (winter vandalism spikes, etc.)
- Planning delays or vacancy extension
- Change in occupancy status
Static service levels are often not sufficient.
Vacant Property Management Security
