Loitering and substance use on private commercial properties in Texas, especially in shopping centers, have long been a growing concern. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, with a significant increase in substance use and related fatalities. Between April 2021 and April 2022, Texas saw a 63.4% jump in drug-related overdose deaths. This surge was partly due to the lockdown’s impact on mental health and the disruption of access to substance use treatment facilities. Texas ranked worst in the country for access to mental health care, a situation further strained by the pandemic. In the years since, as the country continues to struggle to regain its footing, economic downtowns may further exacerbate these issues. Commercial property owners and managers are unfortunately left to face the impacts of higher rates of homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health concerns as their shopping centers, office buildings, and multifamily community common spaces increasingly become destinations for those with nowhere else to go.
To address the issue of loitering, property owners and municipalities have implemented various strategies. The use of “No Loitering” signs is a simple, yet often ineffective deterrent. These signs make it clear that loitering is prohibited and punishable by law, intending on reducing the likelihood of loitering on the property. However, simple methods of deterrence such as these are often ignored.
Ensuring adequate lighting around properties can make them less appealing for loitering and other criminal activities, white natural access control using fences, shrubs, and other borders can also help reduce loitering. Another approach is territorial reinforcement, which involves maintaining the property’s appearance to signal that it is well-cared for and protected.
In Calgary, Alberta, police services successfully used energy-efficient low-pressure sodium (LPS) lighting to displace sex-trade workers and deter loitering, because the lighting changes both skin color and hue, making it unattractive for people to loiter in the area.
These methods may prove helpful, but ultimately, when substance usage and mental health issues are involved, a more proactive approach may be needed to effectively reduce and deter unwanted after-hours visitors. Stealth’s live video monitoring, seen below, may be the key to securing your commercial property. Watch the video below to see how.
At approximately 3:18 am, keen-eyed Stealth monitoring operators observing a Texas shopping center noticed several individuals loitering on the property. A closer look revealed that the group appeared to be using an unknown substance, which merited a call to local law enforcement for intervention. Audible onsite alarms were activated, and police dispatch contacted. While two of the individuals fled the area prior to police arrival, the remaining suspect was seen on camera engaged with the responding officers who then appeared to take them into custody without further incident.
Elevate Safety and Security for Retail Properties with Intelligent Video Surveillance
ECAM takes a discerning, customized approach to meeting the distinct security needs of every retail property we serve. We holistically assess locations based on entrance and exit dynamics, incident history, surrounding neighborhood profile, existing infrastructures and more. This meticulous process informs tailored solutions, blending cutting-edge technology with human insight for an optimal response.
Our proactive solutions feature strategic, wide-reaching camera coverage – spanning storefronts, parking lots, alleys and beyond. Backed by intelligent analytics and live video monitoring, this provides more expansive visibility across properties. At the first sign of suspicious behavior, our operators can swiftly help deter threats using on-site speakers. As situations develop, we can also coordinate responses with law enforcement by furnishing real-time suspect descriptions and precise locations.
Unlike dated reactive measures, Stealth equips properties to get ahead of risk, rather than merely react. With documented ability to help reduce costs by 60% or more when compared to traditional approaches, our solution delivers superior loss prevention and accountability.
By helping to deter criminal activity quickly and consistently, Stealth monitoring fosters the kind of safe, welcoming environments that attract patrons and mollify anxious retailers. Contact us to learn more about our customizable intelligence solutions, innovatively designed to suit your property’s unique landscape and advance your safety goals.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
