Vacant Properties
Vacant Property Security in California
Daily patrols, camera towers and lawful trespass enforcement for vacant buildings and land — keeping squatters, encampments and copper thieves out before they get established.
- Licensed & insured
- 24/7 dispatch
- No long-term contract
- Se habla español
Squatter prevention
Stop it before it starts.
Daily checks
Doors, windows and fences.
Towers
Coverage without power.
Lawful process
Trespass authorizations kept current.
Quick answer
How do you keep squatters out of a vacant property in California?
The key is speed: daily checks and monitored cameras catch entry before occupants become established. California Penal Code §602(o) makes it a misdemeanor to refuse to leave closed property when asked, and owners can file a notarized request with police — valid up to 12 months — authorizing removal of trespassers from posted, closed property. Some cities add rules: Los Angeles requires certain vacant structure owners to file a maintenance and security plan with LADBS.
Key facts
- Daily checks catch entry early
- PC §602(o) trespass on closed property
- Notarized police authorization lasts up to 12 months
- LA vacant structure security plans (LADBS)
- Copper and fixtures stripped fast
The challenge
Vacant properties attract trouble fast
A few days unchecked can mean squatters, fire or stripped copper.
Squatters and encampments
Hard to remove once established.
Fire and city fines
Unauthorized occupants and abatement orders.
Copper and fixture stripping
Value destroyed before sale or redevelopment.
Coverage options
Vacant property security services
Combine services into one program.
Our standards
What every vacant property post includes
The same standard on every shift.
Written post orders
Duties and escalation contacts approved by you.
Hourly photo reports
Timestamped photos and notes.
Supervisor field checks
Unannounced visits.
BSIS-licensed officers
Guard Card and background check.
Before you hire
Questions to ask a vacant property security company
Here is how we answer.
| Ask the vendor | Safeguard On Demand |
|---|---|
| How often will you check the property? | Daily or more, as your proposal sets. |
| Can you help keep trespass authorizations current? | We track renewal dates and posting. |
| Do towers work without power? | Yes. |
| Will you document conditions? | Yes — photos every visit. |
| Can you cover land as well as buildings? | Yes. |
| Is there a long-term contract? | No long-term contract. |
Who we protect
Vacant properties we protect
Statewide
Vacant property security across California
Served from the office nearest your site, with officers across 13 California counties.
How it works
How vacant property security starts
A short, documented process.
01
Site review
Property, hours and incident history reviewed.
02
Post orders
Duties and contacts written and approved.
03
Officer orientation
Officers learn the site before day one.
04
Reports & review
Shift reports and regular check-ins.
Choosing coverage
Patrols, towers or both?
Most vacant properties are protected by daily patrols and camera towers with live monitoring. Add fire watch if fire systems are impaired.
California requirements
California trespass rules for vacant property
Penal Code §602(o) makes it a misdemeanor to refuse to leave property closed to the public after being asked by the owner, the owner’s agent or a peace officer. Owners can file a notarized request on the police agency’s form, valid up to 12 months, if the property is closed and posted; it ends when the property is sold or possession changes. In Los Angeles, owners of vacant structures under a nuisance-abatement order must file a Statement of Intent with a maintenance and security plan with LADBS.
Every officer must hold a BSIS Guard Card and work for a licensed private patrol operator — 8 hours of Power to Arrest and Appropriate Use of Force training before registration, 32 more hours within six months, and 8 hours of continuing training every year. Verify any company or officer on the state’s DCA License Search.
Security checklist
- Doors and windows secured
- No-trespass signs posted
- Police trespass authorization filed
- Daily check schedule
- Utilities and fire risk reviewed
- City vacancy rules checked
Budgeting
What affects the cost of vacant property security
We do not publish one-size rates. These factors move the price.
Hours of coverage
24/7, nights only or business hours.
Armed vs. unarmed
Armed posts cost more.
Guard vs. patrol
Patrols cost less than full-time posts.
Site size
Acreage, buildings and entrances.
Location and risk
Site history and neighborhood.
Contract length
Short-term vs. ongoing.
Vacant property FAQs
Post the property and file a notarized trespass authorization with police under Penal Code §602(o).
Up to 12 months, or until the property is sold or possession changes.
At least daily.
Across 13 California counties from offices in Santa Ana, Los Angeles (Northridge), San Diego, the Inland Empire, Sacramento and Silicon Valley.
Where we provide this coverage
Posts are staffed from the nearest of our six California offices — same day in most areas. Free assessment: (800) 640-2327.