19.05.25

Vacant Commercial Property Insurance: Surge in Crime Prompts Warning

Surge in Commercial Property Crime

A leading UK insurer is urging property owners to take immediate precautions following a sharp rise in crime at empty commercial buildings across the country. In the is article you can discover how insurance can soften the blow of criminal damage with vacant commercial property insurance.

The insurer reports that incidents of theft at vacant commercial sites, fly tipping, and vandalism have dramatically increased in the past three months — significantly outpacing trends from previous years. Damages in some cases have amounted to hundreds of thousands of pounds, putting pressure on landlords, developers, and commercial property investors alike.

Periods between tenancies or redevelopment can leave unoccupied buildings particularly exposed. Office blocks and industrial units are prime targets, especially when visible security is lacking. The insurer warns that the scale and intensity of recent incidents demand urgent attention.

“It’s alarming to see how frequently and aggressively these sites are being targeted,” a spokesperson said. “Fly tipping often involves hazardous materials like chemicals and medical waste, which require specialist clean-up — a process that’s both time-consuming and expensive.”

Thefts have involved the removal of high-value materials such as copper pipes and electrical cabling. These are typically ripped out with little regard for the building’s structure, leaving owners with costly repairs and extended vacancy periods.

Criminals are also known to pose as legitimate waste disposal companies, offering cheap rates and using slick marketing tactics to deceive customers. Instead of proper disposal, they dump the waste illegally — frequently on vacant properties — leaving owners liable for the aftermath.

One high-profile case earlier this year saw a newly refurbished property completely stripped by a gang, causing an estimated £1 million in damages and delaying the site’s planned use.

“When a site is breached, it often becomes a hotspot. Word spreads, and suddenly the property is inundated with rubbish and unwanted activity,” the spokesperson added.

To reduce the risk of commercial property vandalism and illegal dumping, the insurer advises that owners implement visible, proactive security measures in the short term. Looking further ahead, they also call for stricter penalties for offenders — a move they believe would act as a powerful deterrent.

Worried about protecting your empty commercial building?

Speak to us today about tailored vacant commercial property insurance to safeguard your investment from crime, damage, and delays

Information provided by  Harrison Law, (Cert CII) Head of Commercial & Private Clients, Cox Mahon Ltd.