Vacant properties are a main attraction for trespassers, thieves, and vandals. This is because they will likely never get caught since there is no one on the property. As a property owner, your building may remain unoccupied for an extensive period for many reasons. A tenant may move out suddenly or you may take an extended vacation. Securing vacant properties is crucial as it preserves their market value and protects them from damage.

Here are some ways you can ensure your vacant properties are secure and ready for you or your next tenant:

Boarding Up 

Boarding up is not only for damaged or incomplete properties like many believe. You can board up a property to prevent damage from pests and unauthorized people. Boarding up involves the usage of quality pieces of wood or steel to seal off a property’s access points. Ensure you opt for reputable board up companies to ensure the durability of materials and effective service.

Reinforce Doors and Windows

Opt for reinforced doors that have a quality locking mechanism. This is because they are harder to pick and thus, make it harder for people to gain entry. Upgrade to snap-proof cylinders rather than settling for simple Euro cylinder locks. Additionally, ensure your doors are made from solid wood or steel. This will make them difficult to break. Avoid hollow core doors because a trespasser can easily compromise them with a little force.

Consider adding secondary locks to your windows such as pin locks or track locks. These locks are harder to pick compared to the regular locks most windows come preinstalled with. You may also install window bars for an added layer of protection. However, many property owners do not like window bars because they alter the appearance of the property. 

Install A Lighting System

Trespassers are less likely to target your property if it is well-lit. Place bright lights around the perimeter of the property. Ensure that the lights are high enough to discourage people from disabling or breaking them. Consider adding motion-activated bulbs around the outside of the home. These will draw attention to any invaders and quickly deter them. 

Lighting is not only key for the outside of the property. When securing your property, place lights on the inside of the home, particularly in bedrooms and the living room. You can use timer switches to ensure that they go on and off at different times. This creates an illusion that the home is occupied and thus, deters unauthorized entry.

Maintain the Property Regularly

Overgrown lawns, dirty fences, and overflowing waste bins often signal to trespassers that a home is not lived in. Trim any shrubs and trees blocking the view of the property. This helps in securing vacant properties and keeping the building’s aesthetic appeal alive. 

Furthermore, avoid letting mail or newspapers pile up in front of the property. Redirect your mail to an address that has an occupied home. Keeping up appearances makes your property a less likely target for vandals and thieves.

Have A Security System

Security systems have different components; therefore, you can customize your security system according to your budget and property’s needs. A key part of any robust security system is an alarm. Opt for an alarm that does not require a constant internet connection and is portable enough that you can reuse it for other vacant properties. Alarms can quickly alert neighbors when a trespasser is in your home.

Additionally, you may install CCTV systems to monitor the property. Trespassers may be discouraged from entering your property when they notice cameras. Furthermore, if your vacant property suffers any damage, the footage from the cameras may help the police find the perpetrator. 

Lock Adjoining Structures

When securing vacant properties, do not ignore adjoining structures such as garages or sheds. Many property owners leave tools and other materials in these structures. Unauthorized persons may then use these tools to break into the property. Therefore, ensure these structures are properly locked or boarded up. This is especially important for garages because many garages grant access to the home.

Install Warning Signs

Warning signs force a potential trespasser to slow down and reconsider entering a property. In certain cases, they may be powerful enough to completely deter the trespasser and make them leave. This method may seem too simple when securing vacant properties, however, it can be effective. Install bold and visible warning signs around the vacant property. 

These signs should suggest that there is some form of security on the property. For instance, you may put up a sign saying “Beware of Dogs!”. You may also include signs stating that there are cameras around the property or that the property is under the watch of a security company. 

Erect Secure Fencing or Barriers

A strong physical barrier may be all you need when securing vacant properties. The fencing you choose should depend on the size of your property and your security needs. For instance, you may choose wooden fencing which is affordable but not very secure. You may also consider metal or chain link fencing. Concrete or plastic barriers also offer a degree of protection for your home and may deter trespassers.

Schedule Regular Inspections

For property managers, regular inspections can help you spot potential issues when securing vacant properties. Visit the vacant property once every few weeks to check on your security system and access points. This way, you can discover any problems with the home and fix them before trespassers discover them. 

If you are a homeowner on vacation, befriend your neighbors and ask them to help you inspect your home often. They can serve as your eyes and ears while you are away. They can also help report any suspicious activity they discover around your property. 

Conclusion

Securing vacant properties can be as easy as putting up warning signage around your property. However, this may not be enough for determined trespassers. Consider installing robust security and lighting systems, reinforcing doors and windows, and erecting secure fencing. These measures may put a little dent in your pocket. However, they save you from the cost of repairing property damage and replacing stolen items.
The best way to secure vacant properties is to board them up until you are ready to rent them out or live in them. On-Call Board Up provides board up services that are a blend of quality and speed. Give us a quick call today to protect your home.