Pub owners urged to consider closure security risks
Pub owners who are thinking of shutting down and selling up are being urged to think about the security risks of an empty venue.
Alan Smith of Shercurity, which, provide security guards and installs security measures to prevent commercial damage and the unwanted occupation of squatters, says the rising level of pub closures poses a growing risk of damage to the property.
"Publicans are closing their premises, sometimes overnight, without giving enough thought to securing the building," he said.
"But we are urging them to think ahead and not to wait until they serve the last pints - and then walk away."
The company suggests a Pub Action Plan for publicans thinking of calling last orders on their pubs.
This includes:
- Tin up all the windows - closing the windows and leaving them unprotected is not enough
- Use metal sheeting for security
- Secure the doors and if possible use metal security doors
- Consider a permanent guard living in the premises
Smith added: "These are all simple measures but they will be much more effective than, for example, just using a wooden bar across the door which can easily be crow-barred off.
