In the interests of future site safety, we cannot disclose the location of this particular site. However, this case study demonstrates the efficacy of combined security systems in protecting void, vacant, and abandoned buildings.
Client
AnonymousProject Length
6 monthsTHE BRIEF
The property is a large building that was formerly used as a hospital. Since closing down over five years ago, the building has fallen into disrepair, becoming something of an eyesore for the local community. Not only that, as with many abandoned buildings, the old hospital attracted a wide range of trespassers, including vandals, drug users, and urban explorers. The surrounding grounds had become overgrown and dangerous. This, combined with the sheer number of intruders on the property, was causing damage to the building, putting the general public at risk, and creating an insurance risk for its owners.
Marpol Security’s job was to take control of the premises and lock it down thoroughly, preventing further intrusions and reducing the risk to both our client and the local community.
“
When we purchased the site, we knew that there had been historic issues with people trespassing. Marpol’s Operations Team attended site and provided a comprehensive assessment of measures needed to secure it. Since implementing the recommendations Marpol made in their report, I have been impressed by the diligence of their 24 hour monitoring of the mobile CCTV Towers on site, and the speed of their response service when trespassers have tried their luck. It has given us peace of mind to know that the site is safe and secure. I would have no hesitation recommending Marpol Security to anyone looking for a professional security service
Daniel Hynd
Managing Director, Promenade Estates Ltd.
THE SOLUTION
Like all of our security solutions, the job started with a full risk assessment of the site and the security measures already in place. We spent a full day at the hospital, carefully inspecting access points and areas hidden by dense vegetation growth where trespassers had been communing. We also check out potential health, safety, and fire risks, as well as vulnerabilities to the building itself.
As part of the assessment process, we took a look at some of the footage recorded at the hospital by urban explorers and subsequently posted online. Taking all of this into account, we recommended a technological approach to security rather than one that relied on manned security, as we believe it would be more effective in this case.
The proposed system would combine CCTV cameras, motion sensors, and audio challenge equipment. This would result in 24-hour monitoring of the site, giving us improved evidence capture thanks to our high-resolution equipment. Intelligent sensing technology would raise the alarm in the event of a site breach, immediately alerting our team. The audio challenge speaker technology allows our monitoring unit to communicate with anybody caught on the premises. Authorised personnel would be able to confirm their identity in real time, while our team could instruct any trespassers to leave.
This integrated system meant we could spot anyone on the site who was not supposed to be there and instruct our rapid response driver teams or the local police force intervene in the event of a security breach. Since our mobile patrol units are always active in the area, they could also be deployed as manned security, should the need arise.
The client was satisfied with our bespoke proposal. We quickly made the site less attractive to trespassers and easier to monitor for us by removing hazardous waste and overgrown vegetation, repairing access points, addressing fire risks, and bolstering the perimeter fence line. Not only did these steps make the site a safer place for contractors and authorised personnel, they also ensured a clear line of sight for our CCTV cameras and motion sensors.
THE RESULT
Within the first three months of deployment, our team intervened in multiple break-in and trespass attempts, thanks to the alarm being raised with our tower systems and the swift response from our mobile units. These incidents were handled with speed and professionalism by our security personnel, being monitored at all times by our in-house 24/7 control room, which had access to both the CCTV towers and our mobile patrol’s live-feed body cameras.
Since then, the frequency of trespass incidents and criminal activity on the site has dropped dramatically, thanks to the new security systems. We also provide regular property inspections to ensure the site remains compliant with our client’s insurance policy and to assess any new vulnerabilities to the building and grounds. Each inspection is followed up with a detailed report to our client, including updates, photographs of the site, and information regarding any action taken.
At Marpol Security, we provide long- and short-term security solutions for vacant and abandoned properties across the UK. If you need a 24/7 security solution you can rely on, give the team a call today on 08085 627 765 or send an email to info@marpol.co.uk to arrange a free consultation.