With squatting in residential buildings now a criminal offence in England and Wales, vacant commercial buildings are likely to become a target, according to the real estate services firm DTZ.

Squatters now face up to six months in jail and a maximum £5,000 fine for occupying residential properties but as yet there are no legal penalties protecting commercial properties. And with the winter months approaching squatters pose a real threat to unprotected commercial property. The potential of unlawful occupation of commercial property can have significant ramifications, resulting in damage to the property, unnecessary costs and potential loss of income.

DTZ suggests that commercial landlords should implement a number of measures to protect their vacant commercial property assets against squatters, including:

Ensure an adequate level of physical protection to windows/doors/perimeter
Consider boarding up windows and doors
Keep both intruder and fire alarm systems fully operational
Removal of any unfixed combustible materials from the premises and surrounding areas
Frequent internal and external inspections
Ensure that all CCTV equipment is in full working order
Consider installation of a temporary intruder alarm system while the property is unoccupied (recommended in accordance with the SSAIB code of practice for temporary alarm systems)
Employment of security guards - either for periodical visits or permanently based staff
Turn off, drain down and secure any mains water supplies, tanks and pipework etc, to prevent use or abuse by squatters

Vaughan Taylor, Head of Vacant Unit Management at DTZ, said: “There is a strong pressure to include commercial premises within the government’s new legislation, but this could take time and it is therefore essential that extra care is taken to protect empty commercial premises now that winter is almost upon us.”