News 05.12.12

Legal changes lift commercial squatting levels across UK

Vigilance Properties has watched with interest the fall out from changes in the law which recently made the squatting of residential properties illegal.

Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing & Punishment of Offenders Act came into force on 1st September 2012. There was initial uncertainty over what if any effect this would have, and in the first months of the new legislative framework it was hard to see a definite pattern. Possibly the threat of six months in jail or fines of up to £5,000 was putting squatters off all together. 

However, uncertainty is now giving way to a clear signs of increases in the number of commercial properties being targeted by squatters. This has had very definite implications for Vigilance Properties and its workforce.

Insurance companies have also taken a very different attitude towards their properties with many demanding that full, around the clock manned guarding is the minimum they are prepared to consider to protect the asset; both inside properties once a squat has been evicted, but interestingly outside a property too, whilst squatters are still in occupation.

These developments have seen a significant rise in demand for Vigilance Properties'  services beyond its niche caretaker offering. In line with its strategic plan, the company is expanding its security guarding wing to help meet demand.

While continuing to focus on its niche caretaking solution, Vigilance is now expanding its efforts to allow workers to use the full scope of their SIA licensed skills and is actively recruiting in this area. If you feel you have the skills and are interested in a career in security guarding why not contact us?