NO, we are not! Whilst we are aware that there are numerous companies who offer 'house sitting' services which, on the face of it, might seem similar to the Houseguards service, there is no comparison between the two. Houseguards operate within government guidelines, ensuring that ALL of our personnel are correctly licensed and trained specifically to do the job. You might want to check before you engage the services of some of the 'house sitting' or 'pet minding' services that their operatives are licensed by the SIA. Even if they are only acting as keyholder for your premises they need a licence, and if they are performing ANY kind of security duties, they should be trained, vetted and licensed by the SIA and wear their SIA badge at all times when working. If you employ the services of companies who do not have licenced personnel, you take the risk of possible enforcement action against you for employing their services. The company supplying unlicenced operatives is also liable to prosecution and a heavy fine, with possible imprisonment. The Houseguards service is safe, proven and effective, and you have the total piece of mind knowing that we operate in a professional and ethical way. The licencing process is quite an investment, which is why some companies are reluctant to licence their staff, and also why they might be able to offer cheaper prices for their service. You pay your money and take your choice..........
No, the House Guards service is quite low-key. They will be a visible presence on site and will carry out regular inspection rounds, but they will be dressed in civilian clothing, like the occupier of a house would be.
No, arrangements would need to be made separately. Some of our House Guards have their own dogs, but these are not allowed inside the properties.
Yes - because of the way we work, a fully winterised caravan or motorhome less than 10 years old is an absolute prerequisite of a position with us. There are occasions when our clients give permission for the House Guard to stay in the property, but this cannot be guaranteed, so you must have your own accommodation. Applications from non-caravan owners can not be considered for this reason.
Absolutely - it is now law that anyone working within the security sector and performing security duties (including keyholding) must be trained, vetted and licensed by the SIA (Security Industry Authority). The SIA are a government appointed body and they have powers of regulation and enforcement - if a person should be found working in a security role without a licence (or have an application being processed) the penalties are severe for the guard and his/her employer. Beware of companies who offer any kind of security service (including 'house sitting')if they are not employing licensed personnel.
No, for insurance and safety reasons, children are not permitted on an assignment.
No, not unless specifically requested to do so. Normally they will live in self-contained accommodation within the grounds of the property.
There are certain basic requirements that we request – a 13 amp 240v power supply (mains where possible, or can be a generator), a clean drinking water supply (again, mains if possible, although certain remote sites have had to use water bowsers), sewage disposal facilities (this may include use of toilet facilities where they exist), a level hard standing for the House Guards' vehicle, and a set of keys for the property. A secure perimeter with a controlled access point is preferable.
All House Guards are in regular contact with the office and local authorities, so any situations that arise can be quickly and efficiently dealt with.
We normally request that the properties are vacant and unfurnished, possibly awaiting re-sale or refurbishment for example. This does not necessarily exclude furnished properties, but each request would be considered individually.
No, our security service is based on daytime patrols from early morning until late evening, but our House Guards are expected to be asleep at night. The presence of their vehicle normally provides sufficient deterrent to nocturnal visitors.
The House Guards service is very cost-effective. You get a highly visible presence on site for roughly the same price that other security companies would charge for a patrolling guard on an 8 hour shift (who may not be exclusively at your property, but travelling between several others at the same time). The deterrent factor is higher due to this, making your property safer from unwanted occupiers or vandalism.
Normally, we ask for at least 7 days notice, in writing, for the commencement or ending of an assignment. Occasionally we have been able to respond to an assignment more quickly if the situation dictates, but this is dependant on personnel being available.
No, some of our assignments have been running for years. There is a minimum assignment period of 4 weeks, but no maximum.
Obviously we need to be able to gain access to the property – if there is any restriction we need to be advised of this, and we will decide at an inspection visit which size of vehicle will be most appropriate. As far as possible, we will send the house guard who has the best suited vehicle for the job. If access restrictions are such that vehicular access is not possible for any reason, this will be a deciding factor as to whether we can accept the assignment. Very rarely do we have to refuse.
House Guards can be from all walks of life, but many of them are ex services, retired or semi-retired, and all are seasoned ‘caravanners’.
As the client / property owner, you will be responsible for all service charges relating to the property, whether they be gas, electric, council tax, water rates or ground rent etc.
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