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A Growing Challenge for Property Owners
Squatting remains a serious risk for vacant and unsecured properties across the UK.
Whether it’s a commercial unit between tenants, a former local authority building, or a redevelopment site awaiting planning approval, any property left unoccupied for a sustained period becomes vulnerable to illegal occupation.
While changes to the law have made squatting in residential buildings a criminal offence, non-residential properties are still open to unlawful access. Once inside, squatters can be difficult to remove, causing costly delays, reputational damage and legal expenses.
The longer a property is left vacant, the greater the risk of squatting and associated crimes such as vandalism, fly-tipping, theft and arson.
For housing associations, developers and local authorities, addressing this risk quickly and effectively is essential.
Protecting your assets starts with understanding the risks of unlawful occupation.
Proactive Prevention Systems
Once squatters gain entry to a building, removing them can take weeks of legal proceedings, often at significant cost. The most effective strategy is to prevent unauthorised access in the first place.
WCCTV’s temporary CCTV systems provide a highly visible deterrent at vulnerable sites. Their overt presence discourages break-ins, while the built-in recording and live monitoring capabilities ensure that any unauthorised activity is detected and acted upon quickly.
These systems operate without fixed power, Internet or infrastructure, making them ideal for protecting vacant properties, land awaiting development or buildings between tenants. All units can be rapidly deployed and relocated as needed, providing adaptable coverage across any number of sites.
CCTV footage can be used to support eviction orders, police reports and insurance claims, helping to resolve incidents faster and avoid repeat offences.
Prevent occupation, avoid disruption and retain control over your vacant assets.
Targeted Coverage for Vacant Properties
Squatting typically occurs at sites with no power, no activity and no physical presence.
WCCTV’s mobile surveillance systems are specifically designed to secure these exact environments, operating autonomously and providing full coverage without infrastructure.
Our core solutions for squatting prevention include:
Rapid Deployment Towers: Ideal for larger vacant properties or open land, our 7m tall CCTV Towers deliver a strong visual deterrent, live and recorded footage and autonomous operation via renewable power and fuel cell backup.
Redeployable CCTV Cameras: Designed for smaller buildings or internal protection, Redeployable CCTV units mount to existing poles or brackets, require no fixed infrastructure and can be moved between sites quickly.
WCCTV Hornet (PID Unit): Our Hornet system uses infrared detection to identify unauthorised intrusions before entry occurs. It’s designed to secure the perimeter of a property and raise instant alerts on approach, not just after a breach.
All systems are available to rent or buy and backed by a fully managed service.
Prevent Squatting with Proven Technology
CCTV Towers
Solar Fuel Cell Tower
WCCTV's Solar Fuel Cell Tower is a rapid deployment CCTV tower designed to provide autonomous site security at locations without power availability.
CCTV Towers
Smart Tower
WCCTV's Smart Tower utilises AI video analytics to automatically detect unauthorised activity and initiate a remote crime prevention response.
CCTV Towers
Eco Tower
WCCTV's Eco Tower is a rapid deployment CCTV Tower specifically designed to provide security at construction sites where generator power is available.
Redeployable CCTV Cameras
4G IR Mini Dome
WCCTV's 4G IR Mini Dome is a rapidly deployable CCTV system that provides live and recorded video wirelessly.
CCTV Towers
The Hornet
The WCCTV Hornet is a compact PID system offering 360° coverage, motion detection and audio deterrents. Ideal for tight or temporary construction sites.
Proven Solutions for Vacant Property Security
WCCTV has extensive experience protecting vacant properties from unauthorised occupation. Our surveillance systems are simple to deploy, easy to manage and deliver real-time intelligence to stop squatting before it escalates.
Our experience includes:
Over 20 years securing vacant and at-risk properties
Systems used by housing associations, property managers and local authorities
Full perimeter protection with infrared and motion detection
Clear HD video evidence for enforcement and prosecution
No requirement for fixed power, connectivity or infrastructure
Rental or purchase options to match any deployment timeline
UK-based support, training and ongoing service
Free mobile and desktop viewing software
WCCTV delivers everything you need to secure unoccupied sites with confidence.
Get in Touch
If you'd like any further information on our CCTV systems for squatting prevention or would like to request a demonstration, fill out your details and we will be in touch.
What Types Of Properties Can WCCTV Protect From Squatting?
Our systems are ideal for vacant homes, commercial buildings, redevelopment sites and any unoccupied premises at risk of unlawful entry.
Do Your Cameras Work Without Power Or Internet?
Yes. Our rapid deployment systems are fully autonomous, using solar power or long-life batteries and 4G connectivity to operate anywhere.
Will Cameras Deter Squatters From Entering?
WCCTV’s highly visible towers and overt camera units act as a strong deterrent. Signage and audio warnings can be used to reinforce this
Are Your Systems Available To Rent?
Yes. Most clients choose to rent for short- to medium-term cover. We also offer purchase options for longer-term or repeat-use deployments.
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