How Does A VPOD Alarm Protect Vacant Buildings?

The VPOD is arguably one of the significant advances in modern security, combining the autonomy of intruder detection with visual verification so that false alarms don’t impact call-out charges. It’s that hands-off nature that makes it one of the ideal choices for vacant or voided properties.

What Does A VPOD Do & Why Is It A Good Choice For Vacant Property?

A VPOD is the common name for a visually-verified intruder alarm system. This essentially means that, rather than a more traditional intruder alarm that detects motion and triggers an alarm, the VPOD will take supplementary pictures that allow you to understand what the VPOD has been triggered by and whether or not that’s a threat.

A good example of this comes from vacant properties in more rural areas, where they’ll often see animals (like foxes, mice, and birds) accidentally triggering their cameras. This can mean there are often unnecessary call-outs with standard alarm systems, but a VPOD’s photography capabilities mean that’s less of a concern.

Most VPOD alarm systems will have a companion app that allows you to view the photographs at any point, as well as download them to use as evidence should a claim arise. They’ll wirelessly connect to an Alarm Monitoring Centre, where trained operatives can also assess the danger and deploy a trained, SIA-licensed operative to address the issues.

That autonomous nature, coupled with the modern convenience of native app functionality and worldwide SIM card integration, means they’re an ideal option for vacant properties. It’s particularly pressing for properties that have had their utilities disconnected (always a first port of call for any property that’s likely to be vacant for longer than a month or two), as the VPOD is fully self-sufficient and doesn’t require any wired connections.

It’s also important to consider the deterrence factor of devices like the VPOD. While not tall (your average VPOD is between 3 and 5 feet), they’re usually coloured in bright yellow or orange, and are equipped with in-built alarms and warning sirens so intruders are alerted effectively and indiscriminately.

Ultimately, that autonomy makes them an excellent choice for vacant properties. While many insurers will stipulate that you need to visit the property regularly (as we’ve discussed in our piece on the overlap of insurance and security for vacant properties), the VPOD means you’ve always got that on-site presence without needing to be there physically.

We’d also suggest that the VPOD’s affordability and scalability – two essential factors for vacant property owners on a budget – give it an advantage over a more in-person service. They’re able to be rapidly deployed, and practical enough that they’re applicable even to more complex empty property requirements.

Where Would I Use A VPOD At My Vacant Property?

A VPOD is normally deployed around the perimeter or outskirts of your site, as both a deterrent and as a way to detect trespassers or intruders at the very first point of entry. Their simple yet straightforward set-up process means that they’re able to be moved as your perimeter does (on a construction site or demolition project, for example), and that they can be adjusted as needed.

However, that’s just one area where a VPOD can be used as part of a security solution at a vacant property. Here’s where we’ve successfully deployed VPODs, and why they work.

Site Entrances & Exits

Perhaps the most obvious spot for a VPOD, there’s a reason why we’d often advise deploying your tech at the entrance to your premises. This is likely to be the biggest target for criminals and trespassers, and a good way to keep track of who is coming and going.

That’s why we’ve often advised a VPOD as a good option for:

• Construction projects (either stalled or ongoing)
• New build housing estates as “phases” of the project are finished
• Empty factories, warehousing or industrial facilities
• Business park renovations or refits

These are typically premises that see consistent levels of both foot and vehicle traffic, and are likely to represent a significant investment for the property owner. Not only that, but in the case of projects like new build estates or expansions of business parks, they’re likely to have end users or clients already plotted out, and delays through trespassing or criminal activity only serve to discourage those clients.

Dilapidated Or Damaged Buildings

If your vacant property has multiple buildings, or has (as we’ve seen in our work with the AHK Group) areas that are in substantial need of repair and structural reinforcement, a VPOD can be the ideal stopgap solution as works take place and the site becomes more desirable to prospective buyers.

Here, we advise deploying a VPOD where they’re able to get access to sufficient sunlight (especially if there are damaged roofs, or you’re only just constructing the steel frame of a warehouse, for instance) and can therefore run completely on solar power, eliminating the need for any on-site power source.

It also means that they’re able to be adjusted positionally as works progress. Think of the VPOD as an adjustable monitoring measure that adapts and evolves as your site does – simple set-up and demobilisation doesn’t limit the device’s capabilities, but does allow you to move forward as you seek to renovate your site.

Damaged buildings are a major target for squatters, and your obligations under the Occupiers’ Liability Act are under constant scrutiny as you make changes. The VPOD goes a long way towards mitigating your liabilities under the Act, and actively functions as a way to warn trespassers of any latent dangers – essential under Section 6 of the Act.

Storage Areas & Outbuildings

For ongoing projects at vacant properties (renovations, refits, or repurposing works, for example), there’s likely to be some form of storage on site, whether that’s toolsheds, garages for vehicles, or larger facilities for plant machinery. These are natural parts of the process you’ll go through to get your vacant site ready for market.

However, while these assets are stored at site, they represent a major concern, and one that a VPOD goes a long way towards mitigating. Plant theft is big business, with insurers Allianz estimating the overall cost to be in the region of £800 million every year. 

Combine that with tool theft risks, and the vulnerability of vacant properties with storage areas or outbuildings is obvious.

Rural sites (like industrial facilities undergoing large-scale works) are more at risk of this, and there are concerted efforts from Police Forces like Leicestershire Police, which represent a large portion of the East Midlands’ rural communities, to minimise the risks of plant machinery theft. This is also where a VPOD can help, given its photographic evidence capabilities.

Public-Adjacent Areas

This is where we often see VPODs deployed, and where they perform an essential but often unnoticed function as a deterrent. A VPOD on the outskirts of your property, especially when it’s facing public footpaths, roads, or other routes, is exceptionally effective at communicating your commitment to securing your vacant property.

This is also where the greatest threat to your vacant property’s security lies. We touched earlier on how 8 out of 10 crimes are opportunistic, and having a site that borders public footpaths or land means that you’re a prime target for people who are looking for the opportunity to trespass, steal, or otherwise damage your investment.

A roadside industrial estate is a prime example of where this can work well, but our recent partnership with demolition company Rhodar saw us deploy our VPODs across a city-centre project. 

Should I Use A VPOD At My Vacant Retail Store?

This is a rare scenario where we would advise not opting for a VPOD, as there’s not likely to be enough sunlight powering the device and so it’ll have limited capabilities in terms of its autonomy. You can still use them if your store still has an active power connection (the VPOD can be switched to mains power), but this is where other security measures (like routine mobile patrols and keyholding services) take precedence.

We’d always advise that power is switched off if you own a vacant retail unit, as this helps mitigate a range of different risks that can seriously affect your property, as well as the surrounding area (like faulty wiring causing fires). This advice goes hand in hand with recommending alternative measures to the VPOD.

VPOD Technology From ProFM Group

As one of the most versatile options on the security technology market, the VPOD is the ideal solution for so many of the common pitfalls that face vacant property owners. And with ProFM Group, you’re not just receiving what we see as the next generation of security tech – you’re getting a tried and tested infrastructure to go around it.

All of our VPODs are monitored 24/7 by our National Operations Centre (NOC), who receive instant, automated alerts when movement is detected. From there, they’ll be able to receive the picture (sent securely via the VPOD’s integrated worldwide SIM) and analyse the threat. If there’s a real danger, we’ll scramble one of our SIA-licensed mobile operatives to attend.

That’s all done within the space of a few moments, and our average arrival-to-site time of 30 minutes means that any threats we do detect are addressed as quickly as possible. Plus, with our sophisticated client portal offering you access whenever you need it, alongside integrated app support for the VPOD itself, you’ll always have control.

We couple that with access to our full catalogue of solutions, and a straightforward escalation to further measures whenever you or your property are ready for them. We act as  a trusted partner rather than a company that leaves you with your tech, and our partnership sees us introduce further capabilities as your site evolves.

Looking to kickstart that partnership with a leading force in security? Get in touch with ProFM’s exceptional in-house team today on 0808 502 2642 to discuss our VPODs, our full range of security solutions, or how we can be the cure for a vast range of vacant property headaches.