Arson attacks on small UK businesses and industrial units and other commercial premises costs the insurance industry millions of pounds in claims. These fires not only cost the insurers large sums of money but can also cause injury and death and can potentially cripple a business if they do not have adequate business insurance cover.

Each year there are over 2000 arson acts involving all types of commercial premises ranging from shops, hotels, restaurants, cafes, motor trade premises and other industrial units. Many of these fires cause so much damage that the property remains unoccupied for long periods of time.

Many of these arson attacks are carried out on commercial property during the hours of darkness. This obviously is not always the case as many commercial properties that are unoccupied are an easy target for these arsonists. Especially unoccupied pubs and vacant light industrial units those are perhaps isolated. For commercial properties that are vacant the landlords should ensure that they have the correct unoccupied commercial property insurance cover in place.

Most malicious fires in commercial buildings occur in warehouse and storerooms as these offer both fuel and cover for the arsonist. Malicious fires that are started in the open are frequently started as result of rubbish and combustible material such as pieces of wood stacked next to the building. So what can a commercial property owner or business proprietors do to minimise the risk of arson attacks?

Carry out a thorough arson risk assessment

• Identify both internal and external security processes.
• Identify any potential causes that may cause arson attacks e.g. presence of debris or any other combustible materials close the the premises or on the premises.
• Know who your visitors, contractors and staff are. Have they been vetted etc?
• Once the threat has been identified, eliminate or control the threat. An example is lock all storerooms and only allow authorised staff access.
• Record the risk assessment findings.
• Review this assessment on a periodically basis and update your course of action as appropriate.

Assign someone responsible to this task

• A senior personal such as a manager or the owner should ideally undertake this task to safeguard and minimise the risk of arson attacks on the business as well as the commercial building.
• Keep a look out for any other forms of vandalism such as graffiti as this could give cause to arson attacks. Remove any unwanted debris and or graffiti immediately.

Business / Premise Security

• If feasible erect high and strong perimeter fences or wall to act as a deterrent. Keep these measures in good repair.
• If possible all entry and exit points should be supervised or locked unless it’s a fire exit.
• All accessible doors and windows should have key operated locks. An important component that is often overlooked on buildings with sky lights is the security on these openings. These should also be fitted with key operated locks.
• With all these security measures know the location of all keys and who has access to these keys. If any keys are missing replace the locks and get a new set of keys.
• Another method to reduce attacks or vandalism and arson is both external and internal lighting. Premises that are well lit are less likely to be attacked.
• At the end of a working day assign responsible personnel to carry out checks to ensure that the building is secure and all security devices are active and working.

Intruder Alarm Systems and Fire Alarms

• An alarm system that is linked to a 24 hour manned station is an excellent deterrent to thieves, arson attacks and vandalism acts.
• CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) both internal and external acts as both a deterrent and also provides a possible means of identifying an intruder.
• Automatic fire/smoke detection systems (possibly linked in with an intruder alarm) detect and locate fires in their early stages and so help to minimise damage.
• Security lighting (linked to movement detection) also provides a useful deterrent against fire starters.

Summary of Key Steps

• Take ownership and responsibility in minimising arson attack risks.
• Follow through with a complete arson risk assessment for your business and record these findings with periodic reviews.
• Review internal and external security measures and fire measures.
• Provide all staff with full training and remind them to be vigilante and what to do in the event of a fire.
• Regularly remove any waste or rubbish dumped on the premises or near the premises.

Active Insurance provide a range of business insurance solutions for all types commercial properties and business owners. For a quote or advise please call us on 0844 477 9805.