Empty and void buildings
Mobile patrols, lock-up checks and static guards for empty offices, shops, industrial units and void properties.
An empty building has nobody on site to notice a break-in, damage or trespass. On Guard Security provides vacant property security across Scotland, from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Livingston, Falkirk, Stirling, Lanarkshire, Fife, Aberdeen, Dundee and the Borders. SIA licensed officers carry out mobile patrols and lock-up checks, or stay on site as static guards for higher-risk buildings. Get in touch for a tailored quotation and loss prevention plan.
What an empty building needs depends on its size, its location and how long it will stand empty. Our services include:
An empty building is most at risk in the evenings, overnight and at weekends, when nobody is around to notice a break-in. Patrol visits can be set for those hours, with extra cover over bank holidays or between tenants. For sites closing over the festive period, see our Christmas closure security.
If your insurer sets conditions for an unoccupied building, such as inspection visits, check the policy wording before cover starts. Our time-stamped visit records give you a dated account of each check. Patrol officers do not check heating, leaks or pipes. If your policy needs that, ask us about arranging a utilities check.
Every site is different. Tell us about yours and we will send a tailored quotation and plan.
In September 2025, 44,453 homes in Scotland had been empty for more than six months, and 32,337 of those for more than a year. Both figures were up 2% on 2024.
Source: Scottish Government, Second Homes and Empty Properties in September 2025.
Void flats between tenancies, houses awaiting sale and blocks waiting for refurbishment can go on a patrol route alongside commercial buildings. For a building left empty for months, we can quote a static guard or a mix of guarding and patrols.
Commercial buildings can stand empty between tenants, before a refit or ahead of redevelopment. We secure:
A group of private landowners brought us in over antisocial behaviour on their land. Two guards walked the land through the day and controlled responsible access.
"Dean and his team have been excellent. Flexible, professional and clearly understand the best approach to each individual situation. Will definitely use their services again."Peter B, verified 5-star Google review.
At Komoo's Edinburgh premises, where cars were left in for repair, officers covered the site from 9pm to 6am. Each hour they walked the site and sent the client a report and a time-stamped video, to prevent car theft.
Every contract has a supervised rota and a named On Guard liaison for the client. In Edinburgh, empty buildings can also join our routes for mobile patrols and keyholding in Edinburgh.
Every patrol is time-stamped and logged, with a written report each shift. Depending on the package, hourly walkthrough videos and WhatsApp updates go straight to your mobile, so you can see your site is checked without being there.
Illustration. Updates depend on the package.
Coverage
Examples of where we work. If your location is not listed, get in touch.
FAQs
On Guard Security starts with a site audit of the layout, entry points and boundary. We then agree a patrol schedule, a static guard or both. Officers check the exterior, walk through the inside where you give access, look for signs of entry or damage, and lock up. Every visit is time-stamped, with a written report each shift.
That depends on the building, its location and any conditions set by your insurer. Cover can range from one patrol a day to several visits a night at varied times, or a guard on site. We agree the schedule with you when we quote.
Yes. On Guard Security has its head office in Edinburgh and covers Glasgow, Livingston and West Lothian, Falkirk, Stirling, Lanarkshire and Fife, with regular work in Aberdeen, Dundee and the Borders. See the areas we cover across Scotland. If you need someone now, WhatsApp us and we will confirm how quickly officers can be with you.
We quote each building rather than publish rates. Cost depends on the number of patrol visits, whether a static guard is needed, the size and location of the building, how long it will be empty and the notice given. Overnight shifts may carry a surcharge. Quotes are free and most arrive within 24 hours.
Yes. On Guard Security can arrange boarding up, lock changes and utilities checks for an empty building, alongside patrols or guarding. Tell us what the building needs when you ask for a quote.
Will your building be standing empty or between tenants?
Contact us on WhatsApp or email us today to receive a written quotation and loss prevention plan.
Google reviews
"Dean and his staff are always professional, reliable and well-presented at every event. They handle situations calmly and confidently, while also staying approachable and respectful to guests and staff."
"No matter the location, whether it is Larbert, Troon, Aberdeen, Livingston, Bathgate, Inverness, Shetland, Stornoway or anywhere in between, the standard of service is always professional, reliable and well organised."
"Working alongside their team is always an absolute pleasure. Their staff is highly trained, incredibly reliable, and handles event operations with the utmost composure."
"After the first day Dean pointed out a potential security risk which I was not aware of. He also came to the site several times to check if everything is ok."
"Dean and his team are professional, reliable, well-presented, and understand the fairground and attractions industry extremely well."
"Absolutely fantastic service from the team at on guard needed last minute security and they were spot on 10/10"
"Dean and his team have been excellent. Flexible, professional and clearly understand the best approach to each individual situation."
"As an SIA-certified Close Protection specialist, his strategic preparation was spot on, and the subsequent execution left nothing to be desired."
"Dean is always a great asset in the team and his staff all align with our values of delivering above and beyond service."
"We use On guard for many of our events around Scotland. There a great bunch of guys & gals with great management and knowledge of licensing and policies."
Learn about us
A Scottish event and site security company with more than 65 SIA licensed personnel, led by founder Dean Waters, who has over 15 years in the security industry. We work across Edinburgh, Glasgow, the central belt and beyond, for events, commercial sites, construction and private clients.
Watch the video below to learn more about us
Contact us
Tell us your location or locations, dates and what you need covered. We will learn about your requirements and send a written quotation and security plan, usually within 24 hours.
Or call +44 7348 955836 · dean@onguardsecurity.uk