Vacant and low-occupancy commercial properties face a higher risk of crime. With fewer people around, less natural surveillance and long periods without staff present, these sites often become targets for trespassing, theft and vandalism.
Keyholding and alarm response services provide essential protection by ensuring that trained professionals attend incidents quickly and safely. This article explains why these services matter and how they support businesses across the United Kingdom.
Why Vacant and After-Hours Properties Are More Vulnerable
According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 146,147 non-residential burglaries recorded in England and Wales in the year ending September 2023. Source: ONS Police Recorded Crime
Properties that are empty or quiet outside normal hours are particularly attractive to offenders. Common risks include:
• Break-ins
• Vandalism
• Theft of materials or equipment
• Trespassing
• Squatting
• Arson
• Damage to utility systems
Insurance providers often require businesses to take additional measures when properties are unoccupied, especially for extended periods.
What Keyholding Involves
Keyholding allows businesses to store their keys securely with a professional security provider. If an alarm activates or access is required, trained security staff attend the property on behalf of the business.
Benefits of Keyholding
• No need for staff to attend potentially unsafe situations
• Professional response for every activation
• Reliable access for alarm resets, tradespeople or police
• Safer handling of late-night call-outs
• Peace of mind for business owners
Keyholding ensures a quick and consistent response at any time of day or night.
What Alarm Response Provides
Alarm response services involve trained officers attending a site when an alarm is triggered. They assess the cause, check for signs of forced entry, reset systems and liaise with emergency services if required.
Benefits of Alarm Response
• Immediate attendance at the site
• Trained officers following established procedures
• Reduced risk for business owners and staff
• Faster verification of potential incidents
• Support for police and emergency responders
• Protection outside of business hours
Why Keyholding and Alarm Response Are Essential for Vacant Properties
Vacant properties often suffer damage because incidents can go unnoticed for long periods. A broken window, forced door or activated alarm may remain unresolved for days, increasing the chance of further damage or unauthorised entry.
Keyholding and alarm response reduce this risk by ensuring that trained professionals:
• Check the property promptly
• Secure weak points
• Report issues
• Contact emergency services when needed
• Prevent further damage or loss
This helps business owners and landlords maintain compliance and reduce the likelihood of significant loss.
Enhancing Protection with Additional Measures
Keyholding and alarm response work even better when combined with other services, such as:
CCTV Monitoring
Real-time monitoring enables early detection of suspicious activity.
Mobile Patrols
Regular external and internal checks deter unwanted behaviour.
Vacant Property Inspections
Routine visits ensure the property remains safe and compliant.
CCTV Installation
Modern systems support early detection and provide strong recorded evidence.
How Rivo Security Supports Vacant or Low-Occupancy Sites
Rivo Security provides a full range of services tailored to vacant or after-hours properties, including:
• Vacant property inspections
• Risk assessments and site reviews
These services help protect properties during periods of inactivity and ensure issues are addressed quickly.
Bringing Your Security Strategy Together
Keyholding and alarm response provide essential protection for vacant and after-hours commercial properties. They ensure prompt attendance, reduce risk and help businesses meet insurance requirements.
If your organisation needs reliable protection for a vacant or low-occupancy site, we can provide clear and practical guidance.
Contact Rivo Security and Monitoring at info@rivosecurity.com, call 0113 487 3999, or visit rivosecurity.com. Our head office is located at Anchor House, Thornhill Road, Dewsbury, WF12 9QE.
