Preston may not have the crime reputation of nearby urban centres, but that’s exactly what makes it so vulnerable.
From disused pubs and vacant shops in the city centre, to unattended warehouses on the edge of Red Scar or Walton Summit, empty properties across Preston are quietly becoming soft targets for crime, environmental abuse, and legal risk.
And for landlords and property managers, the true cost is often invisible, until it’s too late.
Fly-tipping is up.
Squatter incidents are rising.
Insurance policies are tightening.
And while the buildings may sit silent, they’re not sitting safe.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- The key risks facing vacant commercial and residential property in Preston
- What local data tells us about crime and environmental hazards
- Why vacant property inspections aren’t just a good idea, they’re an insurance necessity
- How to protect your property, your compliance, and your finances before disaster strikes
Because in Preston, what you don’t check, could cost you everything.
Preston’s Vacant Property Risk Profile
From the outside, Preston’s property market may appear stable, but data from local authorities and crime reporting shows a very different story for vacant and unmanaged sites.
Whether it’s an empty unit in the city centre or a warehouse on the outskirts, the threats are real, growing, and financially dangerous.
🧱 Commercial Crime & Vandalism
Preston has seen a rise in break-ins, copper theft, and property vandalism, especially around:
- Red Scar Industrial Estate
- Deepdale and Ribbleton Lane corridors
- Walton Summit area near Bamber Bridge
Lancashire Constabulary has issued repeated reports of:
- Break-ins at empty trade units and construction sites
- Tools, plant, and scrap metal theft from unsecured premises
- Vandalism and squatter damage in neglected buildings
🗑️ Fly-Tipping on the Rise
In 2023, Preston City Council recorded over 2,700 fly-tipping reports, a year-on-year increase driven largely by:
- Vacant land near commercial sites
- Closed pubs and restaurants
- Unattended car parks
Key fly-tipping hotspots include:
- Strand Road & Corporation Street
- Preston East employment zones
- Moor Park area
Property owners are being held responsible for removal and may face fixed penalties or prosecution if action isn’t taken quickly.
🚨 Squatters and Fire Risks
- Empty pubs and upper-floor flats in Ashton-on-Ribble and city centre have seen illegal entry and occupation.
- Several arson cases linked to disused buildings were reported between 2022–2023.
- Emergency services frequently flag vacant sites as unsecured and high-risk.
In each of these cases, a lack of regular inspections or security checks was cited as a contributing factor.
Preston Vacant Property Incident Snapshot (2023)
| Risk Type | Preston Hotspots | Reported Increase (YoY) |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Burglary | Red Scar, Deepdale, Walton Summit | +11% |
| Fly-Tipping | Strand Rd, Ribbleton Lane, Moor Park | +13% |
| Squatter Incidents | City Centre, Ashton-on-Ribble | +9% |
| Arson & Fire Risk (Vacant) | Disused pubs/flats – Preston West & East wards | +7% |
Don’t assume your property is safe just because it looks untouched.
In Preston, vacant properties attract exactly the kind of attention you don’t want, and the consequences can be serious, swift, and uninsured.
Preston isn’t just facing rising property crime; it’s facing stricter vacant property insurance policies in response.
Insurers know that Preston’s empty buildings, whether in the city centre or on the outskirts, are increasingly vulnerable.
And they’ve responded by tightening policy wording, vacancy conditions, and claim approval criteria.
📉 The “Vacant Property Clause” Is Quietly Costing Owners Thousands
Most commercial property policies include a Vacancy Clause that kicks in after just 30 consecutive days of unoccupancy.
Once triggered, insurers will require:
- Vacant Property Inspections every 7–14 days (sometimes weekly as standard)
- Photographic, time-stamped inspection reports
- Records of access, hazards, and any actions taken
- Evidence of secure access via keyholding or controlled entry
- Responsive alarm systems and emergency contacts
❌ A Missed Visit = A Denied Claim
Too many landlords and property managers still assume that having insurance means they’re covered, even if they haven’t done an inspection in weeks.
But the reality in Preston is harsh:
If you miss even one scheduled inspection, your claim is at risk.
And your insurer only needs to show non-compliance with the policy conditions, not that the damage wasn’t real.
Real Rejection Scenario (Based on Local Broker Case, anonymised):
“The policyholder failed to demonstrate compliance with the required vacant property inspection frequency (minimum every 7 days).
No documented reports were provided for the period between 3 January and 29 January.
As such, we are unable to indemnify the loss under Section 8: Unoccupancy Terms and Conditions.”
Loss Adjuster, Northwest Broker, 2023
💡 What Insurers in Preston Are Now Watching For:
- Are inspections happening on schedule?
- Is there proof of each visit (photos, logs, timestamps)?
- Is the site visibly secured with signage, patrols, or alarms?
- Are you using a licensed third party to avoid conflict of interest?
If you can’t answer “yes” to all the above, your claim could be void, no matter how serious the loss.
Insurers don’t reward good intentions.
They reward good documentation.
professional vacant property inspections in Preston
Stay compliant, avoid costly surprises, and protect your property from just £30 per month + VAT.
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How VPIs Protect Preston Properties (And Keep You Compliant)
The risks are clear.
The insurer expectations are tightening.
And the cost of getting it wrong in Preston is growing by the week.
But the good news?
Every single one of these risks is preventable.
And it starts with one thing: routine, professional Vacant Property Inspections (VPIs).
✅ 1. Stay Insurance Compliant, and Claim-Proof
A missed inspection could be all it takes to void your cover.
But with professional VPIs, you get:
- Time-stamped, photographic inspection reports
- A clear record of site access, hazard checks, and any remedial actions
- Evidence that you’ve done everything your insurer expects, and more
This is what turns a rejected claim into a reimbursed one.
💬 “In Preston, the most expensive mistake is not proving you were proactive. VPIs are your paper trail, and your safety net.”
✅ 2. Spot Trouble Early, Fix It Fast
VPIs aren’t just about compliance, they’re about prevention.
During inspections, our trained officers check for:
- Fly-tipping, trespassing, and illegal access
- Broken locks, fire hazards, or water damage
- Signs of squatting or attempted forced entry
- Weather damage or blocked drainage
- And more…
Finding these issues early avoids:
- Arson and fires
- Environmental fines
- Insurance invalidation
- Reputational harm with tenants, stakeholders, and insurers
✅ 3. Protect High-Risk Areas in Preston
We focus on known local risk zones, including:
- Red Scar Industrial Estate
- Strand Road & Corporation Street
- Disused city centre units and upper flats in Ashton
- Vacant units near Deepdale and Ribbleton
We adapt inspection frequency based on:
- Postcode-specific crime trends
- Seasonal risks like burst pipes and storms
- Insurer requirements and client needs
✅ 4. Strengthen Your Risk Profile with Insurers
When insurers know your property is:
- Inspected by licensed professionals
- Supported by real-time reports
- Protected by keyholding and alarm response, you’re seen as a responsible policyholder.
That improves your chances of payout, renewal, and in some cases, lower premiums.
| Incident Type | Cost Without VPIs | Cost With VPIs |
|---|---|---|
| Fly-tipping Clean-up | £1,500–£10,000+ | £100–£300 (early detection & removal) |
| Squatter Eviction & Repairs | £5,000–£15,000+ | £0 (deterrence + early response) |
| Arson/Fire Damage | £20,000–£50,000+ | £250 (system check + VPI hazard reporting) |
| Insurance Claim Rejection | Full cost of damage & loss | £0 (claim accepted due to VPI compliance) |
Secure Your Empty Property in Preston With A VPI Inspection
Stay compliant, avoid costly surprises, and protect your property from just £30 per month + VAT.
Get started with a free consultation today.
In Preston, the Real Risk Is Doing Nothing
Vacant properties don’t just sit empty in Preston, they sit exposed.
Every day without an inspection is a chance for:
- A break-in.
- A squatter.
- A fire.
- A fine.
- A claim rejection that could cost you tens of thousands of pounds.
And once it happens, there’s no “undo.”
Because in the eyes of the insurer, the council, and the law, if you weren’t monitoring your property, you weren’t protecting it.
🛡️ But this is where it can change.
At Leisure Guard Security, we specialise in:
- Vacant Property Inspections tailored to Preston’s crime trends and postcode risks
- Fully insured, documented, and time-stamped inspection reports
- Keyholding and alarm response that satisfies your policy and protects your asset
We don’t just help you stay compliant, We help you sleep at night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacant Property Inspections (VPIs)
Why are vacant properties in Preston considered high risk?
Preston has seen a rise in fly-tipping, burglary, squatter incidents, and arson in and around industrial estates and town centre properties. Empty buildings without inspections are soft targets for crime and environmental abuse.
How often should a vacant property be inspected in Preston?
Most insurers require weekly inspections in high-risk areas like Red Scar, Walton Summit, and the city centre. Some policies may require twice-weekly checks during winter or crime surges.
What areas in Preston have the highest crime risk for empty properties?
High-risk hotspots include:
Red Scar Industrial Estate
Walton Summit
Strand Road & Corporation Street
Deepdale and Ribbleton
These areas have seen increasing incidents of theft, fly-tipping, and squatting.
What happens if I don’t inspect my property regularly in Preston?
You risk:
Insurance claim rejection
Council fines for fly-tipping or safety violations
Higher repair costs from undetected damage or fire
Missed inspections are the #1 reason insurers deny vacant property claims.
Can I do my own property inspections to meet insurance requirements?
Some insurers allow owner inspections, but most prefer professional third-party inspections with time-stamped photographic evidence and formal reporting to eliminate disputes.
What is a vacant property inspection (VPI)?
A VPI is a routine check carried out by security professionals to assess the safety, security, and condition of a property. It includes:
Internal/external checks
Photos
Hazard logging
Fly-tipping or access issues
Documentation for insurers
Does fly-tipping affect my insurance in Preston?
Yes. If you fail to inspect regularly and manage waste, insurers may classify it as negligence. Council fines and fire risks from dumped rubbish can also lead to uncovered losses.
How much can it cost to clean up fly-tipping in Preston?
Typical clean-up costs range from £1,500 to over £10,000, depending on the waste type. Properties that fail to take action may also face fines from Preston City Council.
Are landlords legally responsible for what happens on vacant property land?
Yes. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act, landlords must ensure their properties, even when unoccupied, do not pose safety, fire, or environmental risks to the public or trespassers.
What’s the risk of squatter damage in Preston?
Disused pubs, upper flats, and industrial units have seen increasing squatter activity. The cost of removal, repairs, and legal action can easily exceed £10,000–£15,000, not including insurance implications.
Will VPIs help with my insurance claim?
Absolutely. VPIs provide the evidence insurers need to approve claims:
Time-stamped reports
Secure access records
Hazard logs
Proactive risk management
What’s the easiest way to protect a vacant property in Preston?
Book weekly or more frequent VPIs
Use professional keyholding and alarm response services
Install CCTV and deterrent signage
React quickly to hazards or crime spikes
All of which Leisure Guard Security can provide.
