CCTV for Vacant Properties in the UK: Security Guide

Vacant properties require superior security and surveillance because they are more exposed to theft, squatting, crimes, and other illegal activities. That’s why special vacant property CCTV security systems are needed.

Let’s understand what vacant property CCTV security is and how you can secure your residential and commercial premises. We will share the features you need to consider while buying cameras for such properties and where to mount them. We will also explain some legal considerations and tips to comply with the rules while keeping your vacant property secure.

What is Vacant Property CCTV Security?

Vacant property CCTV security is a dedicated surveillance setup to protect vacant buildings, construction sites, vacation property, empty homes, etc. It allows you to monitor and secure your property without being physically present. It’s an effective way to deter intruders, thieves, and potential damage to the vacant property.

There are two main types of vacant property CCTV security:

• Wireless/Battery-powered Cameras: These cameras have a long-lasting built-in battery that powers them for a long time. This eliminates the requirement for wired power. For networking, they use a Wi-Fi network on the property. If Wi-Fi is available on the property, you can go with these cameras.

• Standalone/Solar Towers: They are ideal for remote vacant properties where Wi-Fi is an issue. They use 4G or a cellular network to get internet access. You only need to insert a SIM card into the device. Secondly, they have a built-in battery that is charged using solar panels, so you don’t have to recharge the camera.

Why Do Vacant Properties Need CCTV Security?

Vacant properties lack human surveillance and presence, which is why they are an easier target for intruders, thieves, criminals, and other unwanted activities. Having CCTV cameras at such locations is essential for monitoring every moment and reacting quickly if something is wrong.

Preventing Squatters: Once trespassers establish residency in a vacant property, it becomes a bit difficult to vacate it. Thus, it’s better to have CCTV to prevent squatting in a timely manner.

Crime Deterrence: When criminals see CCTV cameras at the property, they don’t dare to roam around it and do anything illegal. They stay away from the vicinity.

Stopping Theft: Through a CCTV camera, you can monitor every movement around the property. If someone tries to enter and steal valuable items, you will get to know about it in real time, and you can respond immediately.

Deterring Illegal Dumping: Some people see vacant properties as the perfect option to dump garbage and waste. And the property owner has to pay heavy disposal fees. It’s better to prevent illegal dumping through CCTV monitoring.

Complying with Insurance Policies: Most insurance policies want you to install CCTV cameras at vacant properties. Not only does it prevent crime and illegal activities, but it also documents everything, which makes claims easier.

How to Choose CCTV for an Empty Property?

HD 24hr Recordings

To keep an eye on every moment and movement around the vacant property, you need 24-hour recordings. It’s necessary for vulnerable locations, such as the entry points. Continuous recording ensures nothing is missed. In motion-triggered recording, the camera starts recording when motion is detected. Otherwise, it stays idle. You can use such cameras in less sensitive zones, such as indoors.

High-definition video is required to capture rich details with clarity. You can identify objects and vehicles with high resolution. Keep in mind that not all cameras, especially the standalone and battery-powered ones, can record continuously. So, check the feature explicitly.

For continuous recording, the camera should have a long battery life and solar compatibility. Secondly, it needs extensive storage, such as 2TB, to store videos for a month or two.

Advanced AI Detection and Fast Alert

AI detection in vacant property cameras makes monitoring easier. When a vehicle or person enters the property, the camera detects it immediately. The property owner receives a real-time alert on the connected device. He can instantly check the live feed and respond to the event.

Property owners can also set customised intrusion and detection zones. They can set specific perimeters, and when someone enters the area, the camera sends an alert. If the object is outside the area, there is no notification. It’s helpful for safeguarding specific areas.

The camera not only smartly detects people, vehicles, and animals, but it also reduces false alerts. The event is not triggered by wind, flying leaves, etc. In vacant properties, owners can also turn off notifications for animals.

Remote Access

For a vacant CCTV camera, it’s necessary to have remote access. This feature gives remote access to the camera control, management, and features. For instance, you can view the live feed from any location. You can use two-way audio to talk to the person in front of the camera.

Secondly, with the help of remote access, it is possible to see the recordings. Property owners receive real-time alerts on the connected devices. They can check any specific event and monitor the camera status remotely.

Keep in mind that if the camera loses internet access, you cannot see the live feed, use two-way audio, receive real-time alerts, or benefit from other remote features. However, the recordings are still saved in the local storage.

Weather Resistance and Night Vision

Vacant property cameras need to withstand harsh weather conditions. Therefore, weather resistance is a must-have feature. IP65 is the baseline for weather protection. IP66 is dust-tight and can withstand high-pressure water jets and heavy downpours. It’s suitable if the camera has to perform for an extended period without maintenance. For cameras with severe pooling/snow accumulation, IP67 is the best option.

For night monitoring, night vision is compulsory. With it, the vacant property camera can record clear videos of the property and objects around, even in low-light conditions. If you want to deter intruders, you can go with color night vision. The spotlights in the camera scare away intruders. But if you want to secretly record at night, infrared night vision is the right option.

Other than these factors, also consider power supply (battery-powered, solar, or both), network reliability (Wi-Fi bands or 4G coverage, and local storage (microSD card or HDD).

Where Should You Install CCTV Cameras on a Vacant Property?

Vacant Houses & Flats

In residential houses and flats, the primary locations you should cover are the entry points, such as the front porch, main entry, and back door.

Also, place the cameras to cover the backyard, garden doors, and driveway. If you want to secure the indoors, place the camera in the hallway, as it is a common entry point.

Construction Sites

For optimal security of construction sites, place security cameras at the vehicle access gates and turnstiles. This way, you can capture vehicles entering and exiting the site and their license plates.

The site’s perimeter should be completely covered. Pole-mounted cameras and towers are ideal to cover a wider area. Moreover, you can place cameras in tool stores, shipping containers, and the plant machinery parking area.

Empty Shops & Offices

To prevent break-ins, install cameras at glass shopfronts, rear service & delivery alleys, and other entry points. If there are walls around, secure them with dome cameras.

Thieves look for server and HVAC components to steal. Install cameras in the server room and rooftop & HVAC plant zones.

Vacant Warehouses & Factories

Install cameras at the perimeter fencing and boundary corners. This allows you to detect trespassers before they reach the exterior wall. Secure doors and all entry points.

Thieves look for heavy busbars, copper wires, and other valuable items/equipment. Install cameras at main switchgear, electrical substations, and electrical control rooms. It not only detects thieves but also ensures safety.

Monitor the load docks, shutter rows, parking lots, and all outdoor/open areas. Cover the central warehouse floor as well, and install cameras on the pillars and corners.

Best CCTV Security Solutions for Different Vacant Properties

Atlas PT Ultra

For vacant properties with existing Wi-Fi, Altas PT Ultra is an incredible option. It’s a battery-powered security camera with a 500-day long-lasting battery on a single charge. Plus, it supports a solar panel, so the battery charges automatically.

With its 4K resolution, it captures clear images of intruders/thieves/trespassers and their vehicles. Even if it’s night, it records clear videos with 4K ColorX night vision technology. Its 10s pre-recording mode ensures every event detail is captured, even before motion alerts.
It can cover a large area of your vacant property through 360° automatic tracking. Not only does it detect objects and send real-time alerts, but it also follows their motion.

Altas Go PT

For standalone operation without Wi-Fi, you can go with Altas Go PT. It’s a 4G security camera that requires a data SIM to work. You don’t need Wi-Fi or wired connectivity, which is why it’s suitable for vacant properties. Secondly, it has a built-in battery with 180 days of battery life. It charges automatically through the solar panel.

The camera has 2K resolution to capture clear videos at vacant properties. Its ColorX night vision enables it to record clear videos in the darkest conditions. The 10s pre-recording mode starts recording before the event starts and captures every moment. Users can cover a large area with 360° pan motion. It automatically detects objects and tracks their motion with real-time alerts.

Is It Legal to Install CCTV on a Vacant Property in the UK?

Yes, it is legal to install CCTV cameras on a vacant property in the UK. If that’s a domestic property, you need to follow the domestic CCTV system rules. Check out Guidance on the use of domestic CCTV and Home CCTV systems.

Commercial property owners must register with the ICO and pay the data protection fee. Domestic properties are exempt only if cameras record strictly within private boundary lines. Moreover, you have to comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

There are a few important things to remember:

• There should be clear warning signs on the property. It should state that the CCTV is active.
• Do not point cameras directly into neighbouring windows or private gardens. Use software privacy masking to block out public pavements.
• Keep external audio recording turned off.
• Delete footage after 30 to 31 days unless needed for a police investigation or insurance claim. - Do not post footage of suspected intruders on social media.

FAQ

How to secure an empty property?

You can secure an empty property using a vacant-property CCTV security system, heavy-duty locks at entry points, and sturdy fences & gates. Along with that, remove vacancy signs from the property and cut off water and power to non-essential circuits.

Am I allowed to put CCTV on my property?

Yes, you are allowed to put CCTV on your property. Along with that, you need clear warning signs. Do not invade others’ privacy by pointing cameras at private areas. Keep audio recording off and delete the footage within a month.

Can You Install CCTV in an Empty House Without Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can install CCTV in an empty house without Wi-Fi. You need a standalone 4G security camera. It requires a data SIM to access the internet and offer remote features.

Conclusion

Your vacant property requires more robust security than an occupied one. The reason is that there is no physical presence or hindrance to deter crimes, theft, and other unwanted activities. That’s why having vacant property CCTV security is essential. You can place cameras at the property to monitor everything remotely, deter intruders/trespassers, and get real-time updates to respond quickly. It not only secures your property but also gives you peace of mind and documents every moment.