Lock-down Stories: Unwanted Guests

Lock down is easing and more non essential businesses in the leisure, retail and commercial sector are returning to their premises. Many of them may have laid empty for long periods in between site checks, and issues may have occurred and gone unnoticed.

Here at JCW, we have seen a few examples where opportunists have taken advantage of lock down circumstances to trespass, break in and make use of the empty premises for personal and unmentionable activities.

Disaster Recovery begins here.

Disaster Recovery begins here.

One example is when our commercial disaster recovery team was kept very busy aiding the reopening of a leisure and entertainment site.  We all appreciate the value that community hubs can bring, places such as entertainment centres and leisure premises provide a much needed boost to people’s overall morale as things return to normal. That is why, when JCW were asked to help with this unexpected recovery procedure, we wanted to make sure this client was ready to open for the public, issue free, clean and compliant.

Summary of Disaster Recovery process:

Stage one of Disaster Recovery:

  • Initial visit and assessment made to two affected Bolton sites to be recovered

  • Disaster details are recorded along with photographs

  • Swift report communication to client for insurance claim purposes

  • Waste removal

  • Commercial hygienic cleaning with deep decontamination, as strong signs indicated drug use and human waste

  • Re-secure fire exit where entry had been gained

  • Installed temporary boarding to deter re-entry of squatters and mis-use of site

  • Further assessment and proposal made for more permanent anti-squatter solutions

    • For the affected area only

    • As well as beyond the affected area and around the perimeter of sites

Stage two of Disaster Recovery:

Returned to install:

  • Site specific anti climb deterrent

  • Timber frame support to all temporary boarding areas

  • Additional aluminium sheets to support boarding

  • 75 meters of 3-meter-high perimeter fencing and gate proposed

Conclusion

“We removed over 50 needles over both sites” – Adam, head of this disaster recovery operation

We removed over 50 needles over both sites– Adam, head of this disaster recovery operation

OBS Boarding

OBS Boarding

The decision to return and install extra squatter deterrents were agreed due to the threats made by the same perpetrators caught using the premise, to return. With that looming promise, we decided to go above and beyond and recommend additional improvement measures.


Another happy client - Mike, the Area Manager:

“All of the guys on site were superb, constantly ensuring we were happy with the work and progress throughout the day.” 

JCW have certainly experienced hugely from this disaster recovery process and seen the lengths people will go to, to cause trouble when heads are turned. If you have experienced a similar issue, or are concerned about your premises’ locations, see how you could be supported by becoming a maintenance contract client of ours here.