Panhandling is an unfortunate side effect of a variety of social crisis situations. the majority of panhandlers are also homeless, and as many as 44% admit to using part of their daily take on drugs or alcohol at least once per week. With the vast majority of those who are also using community services reported as having at least one mental illness, the risks and liabilities of allowing loitering and panhandling to go unchecked at your property are high.
In this video, Stealth security operators took notice of two individuals panhandling at a Georgia shopping plaza around 9:40 p.m. Due to the unwanted nature of this activity, they contacted local police dispatch, who relayed the disturbance to a police officer that was in the area.
An additional officer quickly arrived on scene and both individuals were spoken to, with one ultimately being taken into police custody.
Help to Maintain a Secure Environment for Tenants and Their Customers
Shopping and retail centers are often forced to deal with a variety of issues associated with homelessness and vagrancy. This is due in large part to their perception as public spaces. Shopping center tenants often include businesses that serve or sell food, have restroom access, and a high volume of activity, making them an ideal spot for loitering and panhandling.
Live video monitoring can help to mitigate the safety issues caused by the presence of loiterers in your shopping centers by proactively watching for suspicious or unwanted behaviors. Just as in the situation shown in the above video, Stealth’s sharp-eyed security professionals can quickly contact local authorities when they spot a security issue.
We watch for activity as it happens, and when we call authorities, we can report details of activity in progress. The result? Dispatch often prioritizes our calls and police typically respond and arrive on site quickly. A quick response means situations are often diffused or deescalated before damage occurs.
Ready to learn more about how our innovative security solutions can help protect your shopping center or other commercial property, while also saving up to 60% on the costs of traditional security? Contact us now for details or to schedule your consultation.
