It’s just trash, right? What’s the big deal?
For commercial and retail property owners, illegal dumping is more than just a nuisance or simple inconvenience. It’s an expensive and frustrating issue that can cause more than its weight in problems. Live video monitoring and surveillance can help- as seen in this Arrest of the Month video:
At roughly 10:15 pm, Stealth security professionals were alerted to a blue pickup driving erratically on a California shopping center property after hours before heading to the area behind the plaza to unload many items, scattering them on the ground. Local police dispatch was immediately contacted with detailed descriptions as several unhoused people swarmed the area. Officers responded to the area and made an arrest, while footage of the dumping was provided, with the vehicle and license plate, to police.
Illegal dumping on commercial properties- as Stealth caught on live surveillance in the video above- can lead to a variety of problems. It can impact environmental health, public safety, and business operations for commercial property owners and operators. Municipalities across the state of California, like Oakland and Los Angeles, have been struggling with the persistent challenge of waste being unlawfully disposed of on both public and private properties. One report showed that from January 1- May 15th, 2024, Los Angeles residents made 38,556 illegal dumping reports- a 21% increase from the same period in 2023.
Economic and Social Costs of Illegal Dumping
California cities alone spend millions annually dealing with illegal dumping. The cleanup of sites is expensive for both local governments and private property owners. In Los Angeles, a significant portion of the city’s sanitation resources are devoted to managing these cleanups, which takes away from other public services. The issue is worse in areas with high rates of homelessness and poverty, where dumped materials often pile up, creating additional public health risks.
Enforcement and Regulatory Challenges
Despite efforts to curb this behavior through fines and surveillance, enforcement can be challenging. In San Francisco, for example, despite increased fines and cleaning patrols, illegal dumping persists partly due to enforcement issues made worse by staffing shortages. In Oakland, penalties can range from small fines to felony charges for dumping hazardous materials, yet the issue remains widespread. This is complicated by inadequate service provision; for instance, it was found that many Oakland businesses did not subscribe to mandatory waste services, leading to higher incidents of dumping.
By improving waste management services, enhancing surveillance and enforcement, and building a consistent relationship with local police, retail property owners and managers can better manage and reduce the incidents of illegal dumping on their commercial properties. Stealth Monitoring can help.
Help Prevent and Resolve Illegal Dumping Issues on Your Commercial Property
Stealth Monitoring provides customized security solutions for shopping and retail properties. We start by carefully analyzing each location’s unique security needs, looking at:
- Store entrance and exit patterns
- Previous security incidents
- Neighborhood characteristics
- Existing security systems
Our approach combines advanced technology with expert human monitoring. We install cameras in key areas like storefront entrances, parking lots, and alleyways- a hot spot for illegal dumping and other issues, like copper theft.
Our system does more than just record video. It uses intelligent analytics to:
- Identify suspicious activities in real-time
- Allow trained operators to use on-site speakers to warn potential criminals
- Provide immediate, detailed information to law enforcement if needed
Unlike traditional security methods, we focus on prevention. Stealth’s remote video monitoring and surveillance approach:
- Can reduce security-related costs by up to 60%
- Helps to stop potential crimes before they happen
- Creates a safer, more welcoming environment for customers and employees
By quickly addressing potential threats, we help retailers create safer spaces that make customers feel secure and protected, while protecting your property and bottom line from expensive unwanted activity- illegal dumping, vandalism, theft, loitering, and more. Want to improve your property’s security? Contact Stealth Monitoring to learn how our customized surveillance solutions can help.
