Project Overview
Lambeth Council and its development arm, Homes for Lambeth, were managing estate regeneration schemes aligned with the borough’s pledge to deliver over 1,000 new affordable homes. Among the estates undergoing transformation were Cressingham Gardens, Westbury and Fenwick Cottage Grove, forming part of the wider Fenwick South scheme. As these estates were being prepared for redevelopment, over 700 homes were left vacant, exposing the council to escalating security risks.
Squatting, theft of wiring and fixtures, vandalism, fly-tipping, and removal of roof tiles had become increasingly frequent. These criminal activities created safety hazards, delayed project timelines and damaged public confidence. Lambeth Council required a responsive, cost-effective security solution to protect public assets, secure vacant properties, and support the ongoing regeneration programme.
Optimum Group Partnerships Limited was appointed to deliver a scalable security strategy across multiple South London sites, including Patmoss Lodge and Fenwick Cottage Grove.
Challenges Addressed
- Break-ins targeting copper wiring, plumbing, and valuable fixtures
- Squatting incidents resulting in safety concerns and legal complications
- Repeated fly-tipping and vandalism damaging property and community confidence
- Threats of illegal gatherings, fire, and antisocial behaviour in vacant buildings
- Security breaches despite steel door installations due to use of master keys
- Requirement to facilitate access for property viewings and handovers
Our Solution
Optimum Group implemented an integrated, layered security programme across the affected estates. Traditional deterrents such as steel security doors had proven insufficient, so commercial-grade CCTV systems were installed and linked to a 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). These systems provided live monitoring, audio challenge capabilities and visual deterrence.
During working hours, SIA-licensed security guards were deployed to provide site patrols, immediate incident response and assistance with removing unauthorised occupants. For broader coverage, mobile patrol teams and routine void inspections were scheduled to maintain consistent visibility and detect early signs of intrusion or fly-tipping.
Access control was digitised through remotely managed systems, allowing authorised personnel and potential tenants to safely enter completed units without the need for on-site key management. Lone worker protection, fire alarm monitoring and intruder alarm integration were also introduced.
A dedicated 24/7 call centre enabled swift coordination with emergency services and project teams, ensuring full visibility and fast action in case of incidents.
Impact and Results
- Squatting was reduced significantly across all monitored sites
- Theft of copper, pipes and roofing materials was nearly eliminated
- Vandalism and fly-tipping dropped dramatically due to visible deterrents
- Arson, raves and antisocial activity were successfully prevented
- Access for construction and housing teams was managed without disruption
- Site integrity and development timelines were preserved
- Council stakeholders and local communities regained confidence in the safety of the neighbourhoods
Sites Covered
- Broad Stone House, SW8 1AD
- Roman Rise, SE19 1ET
- Westbury, SW8 3LP
- Thornton Road, SW12 0JH
- Cressingham Gardens, SW2 2NH
- Fenwick Cottage Grove, SW9
- Patmoss Lodge, SW2
