A proactive residential security system could have helped stop a repeat arsonist in a North American apartment complex. The property damage occurred in the state of Oklahoma. The local fire department was able to stop the fire before it struck other buildings and outdoor assets. Local news did not report any injuries or fatalities. Video surveillance was not reported at this residential site.
This first arson case was a dumpster fire on September 16. Several hours later, someone called to report a car on fire at the residential property. Four nights later, a second dumpster fire was reported. The fourth arson case was reported on September 26. There was a fire in the laundry room. The laundry facility had extensive smoke damage. Each of the arson cases occurred between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
The local police did not have any reported leads. There was no residential security system on the property or information about the suspect. Firefighters were suspicious about the arson incidents at the residential apartment property. There weren’t many flammable materials nearby and each incident occurred in close proximity to each other.
After two weeks of ongoing property damage, the fire marshal and local police took action. Since there was not a residential security system in place, the local authorities set up a live police surveillance at the apartment complex.
The fire marshal saw a woman set garbage on fire around 10:00 p.m. She did not succeed. The suspect returned to her apartment unit. The fire marshal said the suspect returned with more trash and successfully started a fire. Firefighters immediately extinguished the fire. Local police arrested the suspect.
The arsonist was a 40-year-old resident of the apartment complex. She admitted to the arson property damage. Her motives are still unclear. Local police charged her with six counts of second-degree arson and four counts of third-degree arson.
ECAM is the leader in remote video surveillance in Canada and the U.S, with over 400 employees, 11 offices, and 3 live video monitoring control centers. ECAM’s proactive video monitoring watches over 17,000 IP and CCTV security cameras. Our security solutions feature advanced technology and can detect and deter crime while reducing security guard and other expenses. Our remote monitoring service can reduce or even replace security guards at a fraction of the cost. A remote surveillance operator can see suspicious activity, activate a speaker warning, and call the local police.
Please call toll-free (855) STEALTH or contact us today for more information to protect your outdoor assets. Visit the Stealth website to see real arrest videos at construction sites, multifamily apartments, shopping centers, office buildings, warehouses, auto dealerships, and other commercial real estate properties.
