For multifamily residential communities, security issues abound- but one that proves both a persistent and difficult concern is the handling of unhoused or vagrant individuals who may be intoxicated or suffering from mental illness and seek out their property as a place to loiter. Allowing vagrancy to go unchecked can result in an array of problems, from safety concerns and property damage to violence, a decline in living standards, or reputational decline of the community as a whole.
An example of these kinds of impacts is the Betty Shabazz Apartments in Brooklyn, where residents reported that homeless people loitered in the lobby, slept on the roof, urinated in hallways, defecated in stairwells, and engaged in inappropriate activities in the laundry room. The management struggled to address these issues, especially after a controversial NYPD patrol program that previously allowed police officers to confront loiterers inside private buildings was downscaled following a lawsuit.
Another instance occurred in a Liberty Housing neighborhood, where residents expressed relief after a group of vagrants vacated a home they were occupying illegally. Neighbors had complained about squatters who were involved in drug dealing and expressed concerns about their safety and the security of the environment. The situation was eventually resolved by the property management and security personnel.
A tragic case in Washington D.C. highlights the dangers of vagrancy in vacant properties. A fire in a vacant building, where vagrants had been living, resulted in the death of a man. This incident occurred despite residents having repeatedly warned authorities about the unsafe condition of the property. The building was not classified as vacant by inspectors, as it appeared secured and did not meet the threshold for classification initially.
All of these examples undersctore the complexity of managing security issues related to vagrancy and loitering in multifamily residential communities. They demonstrate the need for effective property management, consistent security measures, and proactive engagement with law enforcement and local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
In the video below, see how Stealth’s proactive security solution helped intervene in a potentially dangerous situation with a loiterer who appeared to be either intoxicated or unwell was attempting to access a Minnesota multifamily building.
At approximately 3:55 a.m., Stealth security personnel observed a shirtless individual behaving suspiciously near the west entrance of a Minnesota multifamily residential building. The suspicious individual proceeded to begin banging on the exterior door, attempting to gain access to the building. Observing monitoring operators contacted the onsite security guard and left a voicemail informing them of the activity before reaching out to local police dispatch as well. The security officer was not observed on camera; however, local police responded quickly and could be seen engaging with the shirtless man before taking him into custody without further incident.
Enhance the Safety of Your Residential Community with Advanced Live Video Monitoring
In the ever-evolving environment of multifamily residential complexes, maintaining robust security is crucial. Communities often attract criminal activity, primarily because they offer a cluster of potential targets in a confined space. Parking areas and garages are especially susceptible, often turning into hubs for illegal activities. Instances of criminal activity tend to rise when entry points, exits, vehicles, or residential units are not properly secured, making them tempting prospects for criminals seeking easy opportunities.
Beyond these concerns, residents face risks from incidents such as domestic disturbances, intoxication-related misconduct, vagrancy, and other unpredictable scenarios. It is essential for residents to feel secure and protected from any form of harassment, erratic behavior, or criminal threats within their homes.
Enter Stealth’s Live Video Monitoring: a proactive security solution designed to deter and effectively manage unwelcome and suspicious activities through real-time intervention. This innovative system combines the prowess of advanced technology with human intelligence, vigilantly overseeing your property, identifying suspicious behaviors, and swiftly reacting to unfolding events. The sophisticated analytics-based cameras of our system are adept at discerning specific activities, rather than detecting simple motion, like waving tree branches or plastic bags. This precision, coupled with our team of highly trained security professionals monitoring surveillance feeds, helps to ensure timely and appropriate responses to potential threats.
Our security operators are equipped to activate onsite alarms, a measure which alone often deters criminal intent. In scenarios where alarms do not yield the desired effect, our team can swiftly engage onsite security resources or liaise with local law enforcement agencies. Our capacity to relay detailed, real-time information often results in a heightened response priority from the police, typically resulting in swift and effective intervention, as evidenced by previous incidents.
We invite you to explore more about our cutting-edge, tailor-made security solutions. Discover how Stealth’s Live Video Monitoring can not only enhance your community’s safety but also offer substantial cost savings of up to 60% compared to traditional courtesy patrol expenses, while often yielding superior outcomes. Contact us today to consult with a multifamily security specialist and take the first step towards a safer, more secure residential environment.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
