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Hi - looking for just a hint as to the feasibility of this (absolutely appreciate that it'll require proper consultation if things progress).
But story is - I run a small business. Last September we moved into a new office run by workspace, a large office group. We the lower ground floor in a block, with 4 other tenants. Since Sept we've been burgled 5 times, and attempted burglaries three times. Each time Workspace have reacted promptly to refit doors/windows/add security/better locks etc. Access has been gained by a communal area where the CCTV has captured images of the burglars, through the gates/doors where key fobs are used, through breaking windows.
We're on a 2.5 year contract that's pages and pages long! The police have suggested verbally and via email that the building is not very well secured and that we're clearly being targeted, and workspace say they are adding extra security imminently. However, the team feel threatened, esp as we often work late/weekends.
I've asked that we can agree an early departure from our contract, and have been utterly civil and reasonable, appealing to workspace on the grounds of reasonableness and 'decency'! They are indicating that we'll have to stick to our contract and that as they're adding extra security (more cctv I think) they're being decent.
Do I have much legal clout - just want to get a broad idea before I meet with them. Thanks
Firstly, I am not a lawyer. Secondly, you do have the right to push back on the contract on the basis that the premesis are not "fit for purpose", ie they are not secure and you can expect a premesis to be secure.
BTW what are they stealing ? Computers ? Can you get some security cabinets and put stuff away or lock/secure computers to floors/cabinets ?
I'd follow binners advice from your original post
http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/legal-advice-re-office-rental-after-the-4th-burglary
So you have been burgled again since your last post?
Amazed you're still there.
The best first move would be to get a lawyer to look over the lease in detail and see if there is anything in it that would give you room for maneouvre.
yep, burgled again. Pretty demoralising - we hide stuff/lock it away. It's Macs and cameras that they're stealing. The challenge as a tiny business Vs a big corporate office group is they're brilliant at being REALLY slow to respond to me - I've kept it polite and firm so far, rather than riling them too much, but we're feeling pretty low and for the team (and my sanity!) a fresh start is essential!
And this is from the police: (an email to me)
"As discussed from our phone call we attended the premises on the previous burglary that was reported and spoke to the site manager who showed us the main doors where the suspects had entered the building we had a look at the first main door which can be easily forced open by using a hard piece of plastic or a screw driver to release the catch of the lock. The second door is very weak and can be just pushed open. He was advised to change both locks and doors otherwise this will keep happening if the doors are not secure enough at the moment it is very easy for anyone to get into the building."
nightmare, commiserations.
you need to speak to a lawyer with experience in the area. some will give you half an hour free and that will let you kno if it's a total no hoper. a couple of hours' fees won't be so much in comparison to your losses already or your moving expenses. check with local business associations etc to see whether they have free initial business advice for members etc.
Send me a copy by email and I'll have a quick look to see if there's anything obvious you can rely on in the first instance.
Stick a couple of quid in the next charity box you see and I promise you won't get an invoice 🙂
thanks all - and peterfile, much appreciated - copy on its way and charity box will benefit
aus, you have mail.