Commercial Lease Forfeiture Secures a Vacated Restaurant and Bar in Preston
Related Services
Team Members Involved
The Situation
A landlord required assistance to regain control of a commercial property in Preston that had previously operated as a large restaurant and bar. The premises appeared to have been vacated, with some items removed, particularly from the bar area, although furniture remained inside.
The priority was to complete the commercial lease forfeiture, secure the property and provide a clear record of the work carried out. The client also wanted the rear fire door secured to help prevent unauthorised access.
The landlord instructed Strikes Property Services Group to carry out the forfeiture and secure the premises.
Our Approach
Our enforcement agent, Roy Bennett, attended the property alongside a locksmith and met the facilities manager, who had the keys and enabled access to the premises.
Once inside, the team changed both euro-cylinder locks on the front door to secure the main entrance. The property was inspected throughout, with photographs taken to document its condition and the work completed.
At the client’s request, our agent also secured the rear fire door using a chain and motorbike lock. Notices were displayed on both doors, and photographs were taken to record their placement.
Our agent’s body-worn camera remained switched on throughout the attendance, providing an additional record of the operation. Once the work was complete, the keys were handed to the facilities manager before the team left the site.
The attendance took approximately 30 minutes.
Outcome
The commercial lease forfeiture was completed efficiently, with both front-door locks changed and the rear fire door secured as requested.
Photographic evidence was captured throughout the property, notices were displayed at the entrances, and the keys were handed directly to the facilities manager on completion.
The property was left secured, with a documented record of the attendance and the measures taken to restrict access. The operation demonstrated the importance of combining an efficient forfeiture process with careful attention to property security and clear communication at handover.
