Property management specialist Orbis Property Protection (soon to become SitexOrbis) believes that managers need to continue to invest in – and emphasise the importance of – safety and loss prevention during the economic crisis in order to avoid becoming victims of crime.
Vacant properties can be a catalyst for crime, or pose an environmental hazard. Empty premises that are not properly maintained can have a negative impact on communities and surrounding areas.
Arson, burglary and vandalism
“It’s a fact that the ever-growing number of vacant commercial properties are at risk of property crimes such as arson, burglary and vandalism,” explained Mark Cosh, sales and marketing director at Orbis Property Protection.
“Due to this increased level of risk, insurers are becoming reluctant to provide cover. On the other hand, if insurance is already in place, even where a property is vacant it’s crucial that managers ensure they comply with the mandatory insurance requirements, otherwise they may find they’re not covered should they need to make a claim.”
Cosh continued: “A landlord’s statutory obligations remain even when a property is vacant. It’s absolutely vital that property managers continue to adhere to Health and Safety, Duty of Care and building insurance requirements, even for ‘sleeping’ buildings, or they may find their insurance cover isn’t valid.”
Help for a major retailer
Only recently, Orbis helped a major retailer who had closed 50 stores around the country, and quickly found themselves with no security as their wired alarms provider relinquished the service immediately. Orbis came in and, within two weeks, had secured every building.
Cosh explained: “We removed any combustible materials, drained the utilities, changed the locks, installed new security systems and ensured that all insurance requirements were maintained.”
What’s with the change of name?
This Spring, Orbis will become known as SitexOrbis (www.sitexorbis.com). The new company name will encompass the full Orbis Group of companies currently trading in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium.
This development is designed to reflect the Group’s increased activity on a pan-European level.