ZimCos Security Ltd helps protect empty commercial buildings and unoccupied sites with property inspections, patrols, alarms, CCTV and guarding suited to the premises. Whether a property is between tenants, awaiting redevelopment or temporarily closed, start with the access risks and the checks you need recorded.
Contact our Watford-based team about premises in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. For other locations or portfolios, send each postcode so we can assess the service and deployment required.
Request vacant property security or call 0204 577 0205.
Choose the right level of cover
Vacant property inspections
Agree the accessible areas, permitted checks and reporting format before visits begin. The brief can include doors and windows, signs of intrusion, visible damage and changes observed since the previous visit. Reports should distinguish what was checked from what could not be accessed.
Mobile patrol visits
Patrols provide attendance at agreed intervals where continuous staffing is unnecessary. Set the visit arrangements, access instructions and escalation contacts. A patrol visit does not provide continuous observation between visits. See mobile patrol services.
Alarms and CCTV
Temporary alarms or cameras may complement physical inspections. Power, connectivity, visibility and access all affect suitability. Agree monitoring hours and what follows an activation; equipment alone does not establish an attendance service. See temporary site cameras and alarm attendance arrangements.
Guarding and controlled access
Where a property needs a continuous presence or frequent contractor visits, specify the staffed hours, entry permissions and patrol duties. A dog-and-handler unit may be considered where the site is suitable and safe separation from visitors is possible.
Inspection records you can use
A useful report records the property, visit time, areas checked, visible observations, access limitations and actions taken. Agree how photographs are stored and who receives urgent findings. Our vacant property inspection checklist and report template can help you prepare the brief.
Tell us about known hazards and inaccessible areas. Security inspections are limited to the agreed scope; specialist building, electrical or structural assessments require the appropriate professionals.
Agree frequency against your requirements
Share any written insurer or property-management inspection conditions when requesting a quote. Frequency, access and evidence requirements vary, so a generic schedule should not be treated as confirmation that a policy condition has been met. Our inspection frequency guide explains what to review when circumstances change.
Keys, access and escalation
Confirm key custody, entry permissions, alarm instructions and the nominated decision-maker. Set out the actions to take for an unsecured door, damage or suspected intrusion. See keyholding arrangements and our alarm escalation guide.
What affects vacant property security costs?
The quote depends on the location, building size, number of visits or staffed hours, permitted access, reporting requirements and equipment. For a portfolio, list properties separately: a small vacant unit and a large compound may require different arrangements.
Request a proposal for your premises
- Full postcode, property type and expected vacancy period.
- Known access issues, hazards and recent concerns.
- Required checks, visits or guarding hours.
- Existing alarms, cameras, power and connectivity.
- Written inspection requirements and reporting recipients.
Send your property brief. Availability, service scope and start dates are confirmed before booking.
Common questions
Can you inspect a building awaiting a new tenant?
Yes, send the location and required checks so we can assess the assignment.
Does an inspection include repairs?
Do not assume repairs are included. The proposal defines the checks, reporting and escalation duties; remedial work needs separate arrangements.
Can you cover several empty properties?
Send the address and requirements for each property. We can assess the locations and discuss a suitable arrangement.