Arson risks, such as a recent arson attempt at a shopping center, are among the many dangers that commercial and retail property owners face, especially in areas with larger unhoused populations. Commercial properties are designed to be welcoming and comfortable- and their perception as public spaces leads them to attract individuals that may be experiencing homelessness, mental health crisis, or addiction issues. Alongside these issues, fires may be started due to negligence, substance use, or to keep warm.
Arson remains a significant cause of commercial fires. High-profile incidents, such as a recent arson attempt at a shopping center, highlight the urgency of this threat. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), intentional fires make up 18% of commercial fires, equaling the percentage caused by electrical or lighting issues.
Commercial property fires, including smaller-scale events like an arson attempt at a shopping center, cause devastating financial consequences. For instance, the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles affected approximately 4.5 million square feet of commercial property, valued at $1.9 billion. The hardest-hit areas included multifamily and retail properties, with significant losses in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
In one real-world example of an arson attempt at a shopping center, ECAM monitoring operators spotted an individual near a dumpster on a commercial retail property client. Audible alarms were activated as the subject started a fire, and local police and fire rescue dispatchers were immediately contacted. Officers and firefighters arrived onsite quickly, neutralizing the fire and taking the suspect into custody without further incident.
A vacant commercial property in Renton, Washington, has become what neighbors describe as a “hotspot for illegal activity,” according to a report by KING-TV. Police say the former office building and parking garage has been the subject of at least 20 service calls over the past year, including reports of fires, noise disturbances, and suspicious behavior.
“Squatters in vacant properties have been an absolutely terrible problem,” said Ryan Short, Senior Underwriter, Commercial Insurance at Burns & Wilcox in Atlanta, Georgia. “We had one property where there was no heat. A fire was lit, which jumped into a neighboring house. Now the owner is looking at just millions upon millions of dollars in property damage and bodily injury claims.”
This growing issue underscores the risks vacant commercial properties pose—not just to the property owner, but to the surrounding community as well. Without proper security or oversight, these sites can quickly attract trespassers, illegal activity, and significant liability.
Arson and Criminal Activity Deterrence with Proactive Live Video Monitoring from ECAM
When it comes to securing commercial and retail properties, ECAM’s live video monitoring services go far beyond traditional crime deterrence. Our advanced surveillance solutions are designed to identify threats early, act fast, and help prevent incidents before they escalate, whether it’s vandalism, theft, loitering, or more serious emergencies.
With a team of highly trained monitoring operators and cutting-edge video analytics, ECAM provides real-time oversight across your entire property. Our proactive approach helps ensure rapid detection and intervention, which can be the critical difference between a resolved issue and a devastating event.
For commercial and retail property owners, safety isn’t just about avoiding loss, it’s about protecting brand reputation, minimizing liability, and maintaining business continuity. From shopping centers and office complexes to standalone retail stores, a single fire, break-in, or violent incident can result in costly damage, legal exposure, and operational downtime.
Our live video monitoring solution redefines how properties are protected by combining:
- AI-powered video analytics that distinguish real threats from harmless motion, significantly reducing false alarms
- 24/7 surveillance coverage across multiple areas of your property simultaneously
- Highly trained monitoring professionals who respond to suspicious activity in real time
- Onsite audio capabilities for remote intervention and deterrence
- Real-time communication with law enforcement for faster, more informed response
With ECAM, you’re not just installing cameras. You’re gaining a dedicated security team that actively monitors your property and can take swift action when it matters most. Whether it’s identifying a trespasser near a loading dock or stopping a fire before it spreads, our technology and expertise work together to protect your assets, your tenants, and your peace of mind.
Contact us today to learn more.
