Hi. I was very pleased to be able to help one of our readers who is now living abroad and managed to get them cover for their let property in the UK. If you have any questions, please ask.

I am going to write about arson today. In a recession, we always see an increase in fire claims. These are truly a nightmare for all parties as they are never simple, and the loss is always large. Since November last year I have seen 4 £250,000 plus fire claims so believe me when I say the risk is real. All of these have been on properties that are unoccupied and unfortunately we are seeing longer periods of vacancy between lets.

So, is there anything you can do?

Here are my suggestions:

1 ASSESS THE RISK

Identify how susceptible the property is to arson.  Is it on a corner plot?  Is there an alleyway beside it?  Are there any existing security measures?
Look for potential hazards for example is there any combustible waste next to the property?
Is the property empty?  Are there other empty properties nearby?

Record your findings and consider them.

2. MAKE SURE PHYSICAL SECURITY IS ADEQUATE

The more difficult or awkward it is for an intruder to cause damage to your property the better.  You want your property to be less of a target than another property in the same neighbourhood.  So what can you do?

Fences should be in a good condition and difficult to climb.  Simple things like trellis at the top will put people off climbing over as it will not withstand someones weight.

Any doors should have mortice locks or equivalent and when the property is empty these should be in use.  You need to record where the keys are and who has them.  When a tenant leaves make sure you get them back.  Your property is of greater value than your car and you would not let anyone have those!  If you cannot account for a set of keys, change the locks.  It may be costly but nowhere near as costly as a fire.

If the property is on a corner plot, next to an alley, or otherwise exposed,  put motion sensor lights in to make it as obvious as possible if someone is trying to break in.

If the property is empty make sure that you or someone you trust checks it weekly and records the fact.  If the worst does happen, any evidence you can provide to insurers of good practice will help make the process quick and painless.

3. COMBUSTIBLES

It may seem obvious but make sure that there are not piles of waste or rubbish next to the property.  Where possible these should be kept away from the property or removed.  Skips should be as far from the property as possible but also away from fences and walls.  Vegetation which acts as cover should be cut short and the cuttings removed.

KEY ACTION STEPS:

1 Take responsibility and be vigilant

2 Carry out a risk assessment and record the findings.  Update this regularly

3 Review the fire precautions you have

4 Control visitors, customer and contractors.

If you need more help or advice, visit the arson prevention bureau for help and guidance.  This is an increasing risk in recession.  Whilst we will help you with the problem if it happens, it is better to try and avoid it.

I sound a bit like a crusader here, but I have too much first hand experience of the real issues caused to sound anything less.

All the best

Nick