Vacant buildings can attract trespassers, vandals and young people looking for excitement. Beyond theft and property damage, the consequences may include fires and substantial costs for property owners. How can these incidents be prevented, and what should owners consider when securing an unoccupied building?
Estonian television programme Pealtnägija recently reported on cases of young people entering vacant buildings, construction sites and even critical infrastructure facilities without permission. They often film their activities and share the videos on social media. Once a building’s location and possible entry points become widely known, more people may be attracted to the site.
The programme described cases of repeated trespassing, damaged security systems and vandalised property. According to Marko Künnapas, Sales Manager at Riigi Kinnisvara, the costs of protecting a single property can reach tens of thousands of euros.
However, the problem is not limited to long-abandoned industrial buildings. Vacated office buildings, former schools, unused commercial premises and properties awaiting renovation can also attract unwanted attention. Even a building that is no longer in everyday use needs carefully planned security measures.
Kristo Konks, Head of Security Services at Forus, explains the main security risks associated with vacant properties and what owners can do to prevent trespassing and vandalism.
1. Check all potential entry points
The first step is to assess how easily unauthorised people could enter the building or its grounds.
In addition to main doors and windows, inspect rear entrances, basement doors, garages and any other access points. A damaged fence, an unlocked door or a broken window can provide an easy way into the building. Any weaknesses identified should be addressed as soon as possible.
It is also important to ensure that the grounds are adequately lit and that it is clear to outsiders that the area is closed to unauthorised visitors. Particular attention should be paid to densely populated areas and locations with high foot traffic.
Where possible, remove any furniture, rubbish and other items left inside an unused building that might attract attention or give people a reason to enter. Documents and materials containing sensitive information should never be left behind.
2. Don’t leave a vacant building unprotected
If a building no longer contains valuable assets, it may seem unnecessary to maintain security measures. In reality, the damage caused by trespassing can be far greater than the value of anything that might be stolen.
Broken doors and windows, damaged technical systems or deliberate fires can render a building unusable and result in extensive restoration work.
Depending on the building and its condition, suitable solutions may include an intruder alarm system, video surveillance or a combination of both.
An intruder alarm helps detect unauthorised entry, while video surveillance makes it possible to monitor activity at the property and review recordings later if necessary.
However, installing equipment alone is not enough. It is equally important to establish who receives an alarm notification, how the situation is verified and who responds if action is required.
The most suitable approach depends on the property’s characteristics and existing infrastructure.
If the building has no permanent electricity or internet connection, alternative technical solutions should be assessed. The most suitable approach depends on the property’s characteristics and existing infrastructure.
3. Inspect the building and grounds regularly
Even a properly secured and monitored building needs occasional inspections. These should look for damage to the exterior as well as signs that unauthorised people have been on the premises.
Broken locks, fresh damage or rubbish appearing around the building may all indicate possible trespassing. If such signs are ignored for an extended period, people may continue returning to the same location.
The frequency of inspections should depend on the property’s location, condition and history of previous incidents.
For higher-risk properties, a security patrol service may be appropriate. Inspections should be thorough enough to detect even minor changes in the building and its surroundings, rather than consisting solely of a drive-by check.
4. Remember that trespassing can also put lives at risk
Protecting vacant buildings is not just about preventing property damage. Old and poorly maintained structures may contain broken staircases, open shafts, unstable structural elements and other hazards that trespassers may fail to recognise.
Particular attention should be paid to areas where unauthorised access could be life-threatening. Physical barriers should be used to restrict access to roofs, masts, ladders and other structures at height.
The Pealtnägija report showed young people climbing a mast using a cable ladder. In such locations, a single wrong move could lead to a serious accident.
Fire safety is another important concern. In an unoccupied building, a fire may go undetected for an extended period if there are no functioning fire detection and notification systems.
Before leaving a building vacant for a prolonged period, owners should therefore assess its fire safety arrangements, the condition of its technical systems and any potential risks to nearby buildings and people.
5. Act quickly if trespassing has already occurred
If someone has already entered the building without permission, simply repairing a broken lock or window may not be enough.
It is important to establish how the trespassers gained access and what needs to change to prevent it from happening again.
First, assess whether unauthorised people may still be inside the building or whether any other immediate hazards remain. Property owners should not attempt to confront suspected trespassers themselves. In an emergency, call 112.
Any damage should be documented, and the police should be contacted where appropriate. The existing security arrangements should then be reviewed to identify potential weaknesses.
Repeated incidents are a sign that the current measures may not be sufficient. In such cases, additional security solutions should be considered to prevent further trespassing.
Security measures should match the building’s actual risks
Not every vacant building needs round-the-clock manned guarding or a complex technical security system.
The right security measures depend on the property’s location, condition, history of incidents and how long it is expected to remain unoccupied.
If your property is already vacant or will soon be left unused for an extended period, Forus specialists can assess its security needs and help you find a suitable solution.
