Commercial Property Forfeiture in London: Securing the Property and Changing the Locks
Related Services
Team Members Involved
The Situation
Strikes Property Services was instructed to assist with the forfeiture of a commercial property in London due to non-payment of commercial rent. The task involved attending the premises, gaining entry and securing the property by changing the front door lock.
The instruction required a prompt, coordinated attendance with a locksmith to ensure the property could be accessed and secured.
Our Approach
Our enforcement agent attended the property early in the morning and met the locksmith on site. Entry was made, allowing the team to inspect the premises and establish the layout of the property.
During the inspection, the team checked the available exits and identified a rear fire door fitted with two mortice locks. These locks were not changed, as keys were already in the locks and the doors were locked.
The front door presented a more challenging lock change, but the locksmith worked to resolve the issue. Photographs were taken to document the condition of the premises and the contents found inside.
The property contained relatively little of apparent value. Items included shelving, sweets and display packaging, with several empty or display-only boxes and some cans on the shelves.
Once the front door lock had been changed, the property was secured. The team then left the site, and the keys were delivered to the client’s office as instructed.
The Outcome
The commercial property was secured following the lock change, and the keys were handed over in accordance with the client’s instructions.
The attendance was completed within 45 minutes.
This case demonstrates the importance of coordinated enforcement and locksmith support when securing commercial premises following a forfeiture instruction.
