30,000 Property Crimes Reported Per Year in the UK
Think back to the year 2000 where security for your building was a basic door locks a fuzzy CCTV camera and a dodgy unmonitored alarm that went off like tomorrow where you only found it went off when people turned up the next morning. Security for properties has come a long way since then with advanced alarm monitoring, automatic locks and unlocks as well as 24/7 monitored CCTV and emergency response that ties in with the alarm system. Managing a single property can be tough enough but when you manage a portfolio that is another story all together.
There are over 30,000 property crimes reported annually in the UK last year and over 85% of businesses have seen a rise in physical security threats. The risks for buildings under the management of property managers has never been as high. The reality is that a lot more goes into securing a building these days than just locking the doors at night. But don't worry as there are strategies, tools, and technologies that can help.
Whether you manage a commercial office block or a residential properties this guide will simplify it all for you. We will walk you through everything you need to know from the different types of security threats your buildings can face to the best practices and technologies that can help you sleep sound at night.
Why Building Security Matters for Commercial and Residential Properties
Every professional building manager knows that security is a non-negotiable when it comes to tenant satisfaction. You position as a property manager means you need to put measures in place to protect the people and the assets within the property. Whether that is from a security perspective safeguarding against everything from burglary and vandalism to emergencies like water, fire or gas leaks.
What makes security is about preventing easy to avoid accidents and also about making sure your building feels like a safe space for tenants and their visitors. A secure property is one where everyone can go about their business without worrying about potential threats lurking in the background.
Effective building security requires constant attention, routine checks, and staying on top of emerging threats. And that’s where modern security systems come into play.
What Are The Main Elements of Building Security?
Let’s start with the basics. When managing a building’s security you need to employ a mix of physical and technological measures that gel well. Here are the big ones you’ll want to focus on:
What Are The Types of Access Control Systems Available For Property Management?
First things first: who is coming in and out of your building? You need to know this, whether you are managing an office block or a block of flats, controlling access is a basic yet one of the most important measures. Modern access control systems go far beyond the old-fashioned keys. Today, it’s all about:
Keycards and fob systems: These give you the ability to restrict access to specific areas.
Biometric scanners: From fingerprint to facial recognition, these systems offer next-level security.
Cloud-based access control: For those times when you need to grant or revoke access remotely, whether you're in the office or not.
A security reception service: residential or commercial security officers can ensure nobody gets past and monitor the common areas for signs of intrusions. They can also raise the alarm in case of emergencies and or breakdown of services such as lifts or toilets.
With a good access control system you can limit entry to only authorised people, keeping potential threats outside of your demise.
What Type of CCTV Systems Are Available For Property Management?
No security plan is complete without a workable close circuit television system. You will want eyes to be on the property at all times. Placing CCTV cameras in key locations like entrances, exits and areas like car parks or alleys can make a huge difference. Make sure you put up the signage to go with it as well to deter potential crime and nuisance behaviour. Today we have AI-powered cameras that don’t just record footage but also detect unusual activity like someone hanging around an entry point for too long. You can also get ANPR cameras pretty cheap which are License plate recognition cameras for monitoring vehicles entering and exiting your property, especially in car parks.
CCTV used to just be a deterrent in the early days, but now with the crystal clear lenses they offer you hard evidence to work with if something goes wrong.
Why Are Alarms Good For Managed Properties?
Alarms aren't just for fires. Motion sensors, door alarms, and window break detectors all serve to keep your building secure by notifying you or your security team the moment something unusual happens. Even if no one’s around, these alarms can alert the security keyholding and mobile response service instantly, allowing for fast responses that could prevent a minor incident from becoming a big problem.
What Types of Security Threats Can A Property Face?
No matter how sophisticated your security systems risks will still be there. Understanding these risks helps you stay one step ahead. Let’s break down the main threats that commercial and residential properties face.
1. Forced Entry
It might not be subtle but forced entry is still the most common way intruders try to get in. Whether it’s smashing a window or breaking down a door or picking a lock, this is what most people think of when they hear "burglary." The good news? Visible cameras and motion-activated lights are huge deterrents. Studies have shown that 60% of burglars avoid properties with these features.
2. Trespass
Sometimes, it’s as simple as someone slipping in through an unlocked door or bypassing security with a clever excuse. Unlawful entry is harder to detect because it doesn't involve breaking anything but that doesn’t mean it’s unavoidable. The key to prevention here is strong access control combined with surveillance systems that can detect when unauthorised people enter restricted areas.
3. Vandalism and Anti-Social Behaviour
In the UK, vandalism and anti-social behaviour are much more common security concerns than armed intrusions. These types of incidents can range from graffiti and property damage to loitering, noise disturbances, or other disruptive activities that affect the quality of life for tenants and the overall condition of the property.
While these behaviours may not be as immediately dangerous as a break-in, they can still cause significant damage and negatively impact the community. Here’s how to reduce these risks:
Install visible surveillance cameras in areas prone to vandalism, such as car parks, entrances, and common areas. The presence of cameras can act as a strong deterrent to would-be vandals.
Use motion-activated lighting in darker areas around the building to reduce opportunities for loitering and vandalism.
Work closely with tenants to report any suspicious or disruptive behaviour, and maintain good relationships with local authorities to address issues swiftly.
By implementing these strategies, you can help prevent anti-social behaviour and keep your property looking its best.
Cloud-Based Security Is A Great Option
Here is where the game really changes. Cloud-based security systems offer property managers a huge advantage. You’re no longer tied to an office or security room. With cloud technology, you can monitor, control, and adjust security settings from anywhere—whether you’re at home, on holiday, or even in a different time zone.
What can cloud-based systems do for you?
Real-time monitoring: View live camera feeds or check who’s accessed the building, no matter where you are.
Remote access control: Need to let someone in while you’re off-site? You can do it all from your smartphone.
Instant alerts: Get notified as soon as alarms go off, doors are breached, or any unusual activity occurs.
With cloud systems, property managers are always in control, even when they’re not physically there.
How to Stay on Top of Building Security
Security isn’t a one-time effort but an ongoing process. Here are some practical, easy-to-implement tips that can help you keep your building safe:
1. Install Cameras in High-Risk Areas
Ensure you’ve got CCTV cameras installed in all the right places. Think about entrances, car parks, and any isolated parts of the building. These are often the most vulnerable spots and should be prioritised when planning your surveillance setup.
2. Train Your Staff
Human error always pose a risk to building security. Make sure your security staff know exactly what to do in every scenario. Regular training sessions ensure that they’re prepared to respond to threats quickly and effectively.
3. Use Safety Apps
There are plenty of personal safety apps available today that can help both staff and tenants feel more secure. These apps let people notify security teams immediately if they see something suspicious, adding another layer of protection.
4. Communicate with Tenants
It’s easy to forget, but your tenants are a huge asset when it comes to security. Keep them informed of your security policies and encourage them to report anything out of the ordinary. The more eyes on the property, the better.
Your Building Security Checklist
Security systems need regular checks to ensure they’re always working as they should. Here's a checklist to help you stay on top of things:
Regularly test fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ensure deadbolt locks are in place and update access control schedules regularly.
Inspect security lighting, particularly in car parks and areas covered by CCTV.
Make sure windows and sliding doors are securely locked.
Verify that all emergency exits are easily accessible and clearly marked.
Keep security software up to date.
Perform routine audits to identify any vulnerabilities in your systems.
Keep Your Property Safe with Proactive Security Measures
Managing building security is a constant task and it certainly doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right combination of access control, surveillance, and cloud-based systems, you can protect your property while keeping your daily workload manageable.
By following the tips and strategies in this guide, you’ll ensure your building stays secure and the people who live or work there will thank you for it.
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