Empty property security: Guarding completed constructions until occupancy
There’s a specific point in any development cycle when the construction is complete, the site is clear, and the building stands ready to welcome its new occupants. It’s a significant achievement, but it also marks a period of exposure. This is the post-build phase, where a property, now containing valuable assets but without a constant presence, awaits its official handover to the client or new occupants. After all the effort and investment, leaving this valuable asset unprotected is a clear and unacceptable risk.
The truth is, empty properties, particularly newly completed ones, face a range of threats. They are viewed by criminals as opportunities for theft, vandalism, illegal occupation, or even arson. And here in the UK, it’s a very real problem. In fact, a national survey of construction professionals found that a staggering 90% of vacant commercial properties end up being hit by some form of crime, with things like trespassing, vandalism, and stealing fittings or materials happening all too often. This plainly shows a big security gap that many don’t fully realise.
At RDS Solutions, we fully understand the specific challenges that come with guarding these quiet, high-value spaces. Our specialised empty property security service is designed to close this exact gap.
Our NASDU trained dog handlers and their expert partners deploy specifically to these vulnerable properties, ensuring your investment remains pristine and protected right up to the moment of handover.
Why your new empty building needs expert security
1. Protection of high-value assets
After months, or even years, of construction, your new building is filled with valuable appliances, fresh copper piping, high-specification kitchen units, and electrical wiring. All of these installed items are a huge financial investment and also highly attractive targets for thieves.
A criminal knows that an empty building means a lower chance of interruption, allowing them to attempt to remove and steal these valuable assets. Our security teams provide an active, visible deterrent, making it clear that this property is not a target, safeguarding your expensive finishes from the moment they are in place.
2. Deterring squatting and illegal occupation
Imagine finishing a project, standing back to admire the new building, only for it to sit like a target for unwanted guests. A building that looks unoccupied can be seen as an open door for squatters or people that live on the streets.
The consequences of this are often heartbreaking for a business owner. Getting squatters out isn’t just a huge hassle, and we witness it often for our clients. It takes ages, gets caught up in legal red tape, costs a lot of money, and they often leave your property badly damaged. Our manned guarding services provide a constant, active presence that can prevent all these complications for you and your new construction.
3. Preventing vandalism and arson
When a building stands empty, without an active presence, it unfortunately becomes far more susceptible to destructive behaviours. It’s a hard truth to consider, after all that hard work you put in: someone could spray graffiti, smash windows, or even cause severe structural damage.
Happens more than you would think. Home Office figures show that around 45-50% of all fires attended by UK fire and rescue services involve deliberate fire-setting (arson), with many such incidents occurring in empty properties.
Our security teams offer a dynamic and unpredictable presence. They actively disrupt any plans for vandalism or arson and spot suspicious activity early, cutting the risk of your newly finished building suffering such damage.
4. Securing the insurance position
Insurance for a finished but empty building can be a real minefield. Most policies are set up for when construction is active, not for that inactive phase when the property stands completed but unoccupied. If an incident occurs then – a break-in, vandalism, or worse – you could face a devastating discovery: your policy might not fully cover the damage, or it could even be deemed invalid because proper security wasn’t in place.
That means all your hard work, all your investment, could be left vulnerable with little recourse, adding insult to injury. Investing in professional vacant property security demonstrates your commitment to protecting the asset, strengthening your insurance position. RDS Solutions can make your life easier and your assets safe with the manned guarding services we provide you.
5. Maintaining reputation and project integrity
Every completed project is a strong statement about your company’s skill and reliability. But if something goes wrong after the build – theft, vandalism, or illegal occupation – it can severely damage that reputation.
It signals a lack of control and can make future clients question your capabilities. Protecting your newly finished construction ensures that the property is handed over in top condition, showing your commitment to quality and secure delivery. Our presence makes sure your hard-earned reputation stays strong and unblemished.
RDS Solutions: Securing your completed property to handover
An empty finalized construction is a place where a family life is starting or a new office will make great opportunities. It should never be a place where one can sense the notion of abandonment or risk.
Securing completed but unoccupied buildings is a service we provide routinely for clients across the UK. Property developers and owners consistently choose our specialised approach because they recognise the tangible value it brings and the significant costs it helps them avoid. The core of our mission is about protecting substantial investments, ensuring project timelines remain on track, and safeguarding your company’s reputation.
Our work combines professional training, extensive field experience, and the proven capabilities of our top canine (K9) teams. Our manned guarding services and K9 security offer an active, mobile presence, designed to prevent damage and respond swiftly – a level of security no equipment can match.
We are here to quickly and effectively resolve any security threats, strongly defend your valuable assets, and safeguard your property’s future.
Partnering with RDS Solutions means you eliminate unnecessary risk. You gain the assurance that skilled professionals are actively guarding your completed building, keeping your valuable investments safe and your project integrity secure.
We stand with you to prevent the frustrating and expensive problems that crime inevitably brings. With RDS Solutions on site, your newly finished property is genuinely protected, allowing you to focus on future success.
