In this video, two individuals entered a Seattle apartment building and walked into the stairwell. They were met by a third person. They started smoking something out of a glass pipe. A trained Stealth security operator was watching and contacted police. One of the trio got up and walked out.
When officers arrived, they were unable to get into the building. They called back Stealth to get an access code for the door, but there wasn’t one listed in the property information. Our monitoring operator alerted the property manager.
A few minutes later, it appeared that two other residents from the property opened the door for the officers. Police entered the stairwell and arrested the remaining two suspects.
Drug Use Can Lead to Other Problems for Your Property
If drug deals and drug use persists at an apartment community, it can bring a host of other problems. This includes, but is not limited to loitering, littering, vandalism, theft, and violent crime, all of which can diminish the quality of life for other residents. When residents aren’t happy, they will find someplace else to live.
How can you help keep drugs out of your property? Here are some questions to ask yourself?
- How do you find residents?
- Are they screened?
- Do you have language in your lease agreement regarding drug use and its consequences?
- Is your property well maintained?
- Are the lights in your common areas in good working condition?
- If people are selling drugs on your property, how are they or buyers getting in?
- Are the other residents aware of the drug activity?
- Would they be willing to help stop it?
- What type of security to do you have in place?
- Has it been effective at reducing or eliminating illegal activity?
Be Proactive in Deterring Crime
A proactive security solution can help deter criminal activity at your multifamily residential property. Live video surveillance works in real time to catch events as they happen. Trained security operators use video analytics to watch for and evaluate suspicious activity. They can activate speakers to alert trespassers they are being watched, as well as contact local authorities.
In addition, Stealth has a video review department that can analyze footage from all relevant cameras and provide a concise summary of the activity to police and property management. All for up to 60% less than the cost of traditional security guards.
When crime decreases at your property, it can positively impact its marketability, retention rates and bottom line.
For more information about live video monitoring at your apartment community, contact us.
