Prevention vs Cure: Here’s How Void Property Inspections in Wolverhampton Mitigate Risks

Void property inspections in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands are in high demand, as retailers and hospitality brands streamline their operations. As a result, there’s a rising number of vacant units. And these empty retail spaces can be open invitations for emergencies if left unchecked.

This is exactly what happened due to failure to maintain a secure empty building at a large void home and garden store in Wolverhampton.

Dynamic Security Services were sub-contracted as a trusted partner with deep knowledge of the Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Dudley, and Walsall area. And when we were asked to unlock the site for a viewing, the potential stakeholder was greeted with a sight they hadn’t bargained for!

This retailer’s story highlights the value of regular void property inspections and ongoing vacant property maintenance to keep setbacks at bay.

Expect the Unexpected When Cutting Corners with Void Property Inspections

The vacant store in Wolverhampton had been left without routine checks, despite us recommending fortnightly void property inspections to help mitigate risks such as:

• Break-in prevention
• Environmental damage
• Squatters prevention
• Vandalism prevention

Unfortunately, this advice wasn’t taken up at the time - a decision that resulted in dire consequences.

Our officer knew something was wrong when trying to unlock the site for a viewing. The electric shutter was unresponsive. So, a specialist engineer was called out to gain access, only to reveal more serious issues inside.

The power supply was off.

The intruder alarm was inactive.

And a burst water pipe was flooding the premises.

Benefit from Local Knowledge with National Standard Capability

Even so, we’re equipped to act fast and decisively. In fact, with our knowledge of the area and strong reputation for vacant property security we were the ideal fit.

This is because our officers know what to look for in vulnerable or neglected sites. So, they’re able to calmly take control of situations like electrical faults or flooding. It’s a key part of our empty property protection services.

Fail to Prepare and Prepare to Fail

It was our priority to contain the situation at pace once we knew what we were dealing with. This called for the following steps:

• Located the main water stop valve
• Stemmed the flow
• Arranged for a local emergency plumber to isolate it professionally

The good news is the worst of the water damage was avoided, thanks to our swift response.

The not so good news is prevention would have been better than cure. This issue could and should have been spotted and resolved before it became critical, if the regular void property inspections we suggested had been in place.

In addition, the retailer would and should have avoided costly call out charges and repairs to water damaged areas.

Ultimately, this incident emphasises the importance of proactive void property inspections to avert costly issues like flooding, break-ins or structural damage.

Secure Your Empty Building with Confidence

Managing a secure empty building in Wolverhampton? A void retail unit in Wednesfield or Willenhall? An industrial site in Bilston? Or offices in Codsall or Tettenhall?

Regular void property inspections and vacant property security measures can save you thousands in potential repairs and liability.

At Dynamic Security Services, our professional accreditations include SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status for the provision of Security Guarding and Key Holding, plus BS standards as shown below:

• BS 7858:2019 Security Screening of Individuals employed in a security Environment - Code of practice
• BS 7984:2020 Key Holding and Alarm Response Services (PART 3)
• BS 7499:2020 Static Site Guarding and Mobile Patrol Service – Code of practice
• BS 10800:2020 Provision of security services - code of practice
• BS 8584:2015 Vacant Property Protection services

Get in touch when you're looking to secure an empty building or need help with vacant property maintenance across Wolverhampton, Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.