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Print ArticleWith the current economic downturn, the number of abandoned and foreclosed properties is rapidly increasing, and so is the demand for board-up services to protect those properties from vandalism. Finding plywood ineffective at preventing break-ins, city officials in such major U.S. metropolises as Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Houston are calling for the use of a new steel reinforcement system to secure vacant properties. The steel system has proven effective in preventing criminals from using vacant properties as launching pads for neighborhood crime.
The one-of-a-kind steel system is the product of Chicago-based Vacant Property Security (VPS), which recently awarded Airtronics Metal Products, Inc. (San Jose, CA), with a contract to manufacture its heavy-gauge steel doors, frames, window screens and other system components.
“We have found working with Airtronics to be a very positive experience. Their sense of urgency, innovative approach to exceeding our specifications and proactively solving problems is extraordinary,” said Timothy McMahon, VPS director of U.S. operations.
The VPS solution is a rental system consisting of modular window guards, steel doors and adjustable steel sheeting, which VPS technicians fit externally over property openings, eliminating leverage points where a thief could use a crowbar to break in. Perforations in the window screens allow light filtration and air circulation so contractors can work and buyers can move around comfortably inside. Keyless, digitally controlled doors provide owners with access control.
Property owners rent the system, paying only for as long as they need to protect their vacant property. The VPS system is currently being used in dozens of major cities, including Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Las Vegas and Houston.
“Vacant Property Security offers the most effective system for protecting unoccupied properties, and we are proud to be a part of this solution,” said Jeff Burke, president and CEO of Airtronics. “We like the fact the system is green; all of the metal fittings are reusable, unlike plywood, which is discarded.
