How to Secure a Vacant Property Against Unauthorised Entry: 5 Essential Tools

Vacant properties are increasingly targeted by opportunist thieves, vandals, and squatters. As winter approaches and the cost of living crisis deepens, incidents of trespassing and illegal occupation are rising sharply.

For landlords and property owners, this raises a serious question: how do you keep an empty building safe when you can’t be there yourself?

Squatters occupying a vacant building in Bristol city centre. Credit: Bristol Live

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Understanding the Risks

Before putting in place any security protection, it is important to consider what attracts criminals. Here a few examples:

• Valuable materials such as copper cabling or lead roofing

• Assets left inside the property

• Easy access through windows and doors

• Lack of visible security presence

Removing valuables and reducing opportunity is the first step. But to really safeguard your property, you need a layered approach, often called “defence in depth.” This means putting multiple barriers in place, so intruders are deterred, delayed, or stopped before real damage can occur.

The Top 5 Ways to Protect a Vacant Property

1. Security Fencing

Securing the boundary is the first line of defence. Strong security fencing and gates send a clear message that the property is protected. Anti-climb measures increase effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of trespassers attempting to scale the perimeter.

Learn more about security fencing for vacant properties

2. Steel security screens and doors:

Most squatters gain entry through unsecured windows or weak doors. Installing steel security screens and metal temporary doors is one of the most effective deterrents.

Steel screens not only stop easy break ins but also slow down determined intruders long enough to trigger a response.

If you are unsure which boarding up solution is right for you, our article 'Void Property Boarding Options - Brief Overview' is a great place to start.

3. CCTV and Remote Monitoring

A visible CCTV system provides both deterrence and evidence. Remotely monitored CCTV towers or video verification systems (such as Reconeyez) can alert response teams the moment suspicious activity is detected even at properties without mains power.

4. Motion-Activated Lighting

Criminals and rough sleepers rely on darkness for concealment. Motion-activated lights, including modern solar-powered systems like the NEXSUN 5000, are cost-effective and easy to deploy. Bright, sudden illumination makes trespassers think twice.

5. Security Alarms

An alarm is the final layer of protection. For powered sites, the AJAX system offers robust intrusion and even flood detection. For de-energised properties, wireless video verification systems (such as RSI linked with Webeye monitoring) provide fast alerts with visual confirmation.

Conclusion

Securing a vacant property doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require the right mix of tools. By combining fencing, steel screens, CCTV, lighting, and alarms, you create a strong deterrent that makes your building a far less attractive target.

For tailored advice, or to arrange a no-obligation vulnerability assessment, call Propertysec today on 01293 804781. Our team specialises in securing vacant and void properties across the UK.