Empty High Street units “Britain’s next security crisis” warns Argenbright

In 2025, data from the Think Tank Centre for Cities revealed that, in cities such as Bradford and Newport, close to one in every five commercial units were vacant. In southern urban centres like London and Cambridge, figures were lower, but still concerning, with one in every 12 High Street properties empty.

This high proportion of empty units isn’t just alarming for landlords and business owners. It also has a ripple effect on surrounding businesses and local communities.

Last year, insurance firm AXA warned that an increase in vacant commercial properties was fuelling a rise in crime. Dougie Barnett, AXA Commercial’s director of customer risk management, highlighted the seriousness of the issue by stating: “Thefts from these properties include valuable building materials such as copper pipe and electrical cabling, which are usually ripped out, causing considerable damage. This can render the building uninhabitable until it’s repaired, with significant financial repercussions for the owner.”

Magnet for crime

Why do vacant properties attract crime? Charlotte Simpson, head of sales at Argenbright Security Europe Ltd, stated: “Vacant properties are often more vulnerable than occupied buildings. We’re seeing a marked increase in call-outs to vacant sites where damage has already occurred. The pattern is consistent: properties that appear unmonitored become targets within days and, once a building is compromised for the first time, it’s likely to be hit again.”

When buildings show visible signs of neglect – eg broken windows, graffiti and unsecured doors – it often starts a hard-to-break cycle of repeated damage and escalating costs. For businesses and property owners, the impact extends well beyond the initial criminal incident. Repair and clean-up costs can far exceed the value of stolen materials, neighbouring businesses suffer from reduced footfall as perceptions of safety decline, insurance premiums rise and redevelopment plans can be delayed by months or even years.

All of this comes on top of the ongoing costs of retaining an empty property. Landlords and business owners are still liable for business rates, council tax, utilities and insurance payments and maintenance, yet are unable to generate any income. The mathematics are stark: the cost of one serious incident often exceeds several years’ worth of security investment.

Proactive approach to protection

The good news is that vacant property crime is largely preventable. “Whether the property is awaiting sale, renovation or new tenants, installing security measures – notably so temporary surveillance systems – can significantly reduce these risks,” confirmed Charlotte Simpson.

Simpson added: “Security systems also help with Health and Safety. Empty buildings can contain hazards like exposed wiring, broken glass or unstable structures. Surveillance and alarm systems can alert owners if someone enters the property, helping to prevent accidents and allowing a quick response if someone does gain access.”

Professional vacant property protection enables property owners, developers and portfolio managers to:

*reduce break-ins and vandalism through visible deterrents and rapid response

*maintain insurance compliance with documented security measures and regular inspections

*protect asset value by preventing deterioration and maintaining property condition

*safeguard redevelopment timelines by eliminating delays caused by criminal damage

*reassure neighbouring businesses and communities by demonstrating responsible ownership

The approach adopted doesn’t need to be complex or prohibitively expensive. Even basic measures such as rapid deployment CCTV and alarm systems can dramatically reduce risk. The key is speed: implementing protection before a property becomes a known target.

From liability to protected asset

Effective vacant property security does more than prevent crime. It also protects investment, maintains business continuity and safeguards a company’s professional reputation in what’s now an increasingly challenging market.

With a strategic security approach in place, vacant premises can be transformed from soft targets into protected assets, giving owners peace of mind, while also helping communities to remain safer and more resilient.

As Britain grapples with the future of its High Streets and the growing challenge of long-term vacant properties, the security question is becoming impossible to ignore. For property owners and portfolio managers, the choice is increasingly clear: proactive protection or escalating liability.

One thing is certain: leaving vacant properties unsecured is no longer an option.

*Further information is available online at www.asel.co.uk