Property specialists warn of risks to vacant spaces

With a spate of recent shop closures over the past few

months and an increasing amount of vacant signs appearing on the high street, retailers are being warned about the possible risk of arson, theft, damage and squatting.

VPS, the empty property specialists, are warning retail property owners and administrators not to be complacent and to ensure that vacant retail premises on high streets, retail parks or in shopping centres are well secured to prevent theft and damage.
 
John Wright, UK director of national accounts at VPS said:  “As more and more property managers and owners are left with vacant retail units, there is not only the risk of lost rental income but also the potentially high cost of metal theft, vandalism, even arson. There are discreet solutions for making property look less vacant but at the same time protecting the asset. In our experience, taking immediate action when a unit becomes vacant is the most effective way to protect a property and mitigate any possible issues that can arise.”