How a Shopping Center Increased Property Value by $1.2M with ECAM
About Forest Audelia Shopping Center
Forest Audelia Shopping Center, managed by Dallas-area property management company NAI Robert Lynn, is located in a densely populated urban area of Dallas, Texas. The surrounding neighborhood is primarily composed of small- to medium-sized apartment communities and has historically experienced elevated crime rates. The intersection of Forest Lane and Audelia Road has been identified as one of the city’s top crime hotspots, creating ongoing challenges for property management and tenant safety.
The Challenge for Forest Audelia Shopping Center
Persistent crime and high security costs were eroding property performance.
Criminal activity was a daily occurrence at the shopping center, including glass breakage, vandalism, illegal dumping, loitering, and theft. Property damage alone exceeded $800 per month, while a major copper theft incident involving HVAC units resulted in $35,000 in losses.
To combat these issues, property managers relied on 24/7 on-site security guards, costing approximately $14,000 per month. Despite this significant investment, crime persisted, and the cost of maintaining continuous guard coverage placed a heavy burden on operating expenses.
The property needed a more effective and cost-efficient solution that could reduce crime, lower expenses, and improve overall asset value.
How ECAM Helped Resolve This Client’s Biggest Concerns
A proactive, technology-driven solution replaced costly guards and improved real-time visibility.
ECAM implemented a proactive, technology-driven security solution designed to replace costly guard services while improving real-time visibility and response.
Key actions included:
- Deployment of ECAM surveillance systems: Equipment was installed to provide comprehensive monitoring coverage across the property.
- 24/7 remote monitoring: ECAM’s monitoring team provided continuous oversight and real-time threat detection.
- Elimination of full-time guard services: The solution initially removed the need for 24/7 on-site guards, significantly reducing operating costs.
- Hybrid security model: Over time, the property transitioned to a blended approach combining remote monitoring with part-time on-site security for added flexibility.
ECAM’s proactive monitoring approach enabled early detection of suspicious activity and faster response times, helping prevent incidents before they escalated.
The ECAM Difference
Reduced crime, lower operating costs, and a measurable increase in property value.
ECAM’s solution delivered immediate and long-term improvements in safety, cost efficiency, and property performance.
Key outcomes included:
- 80% reduction in property damage
- Significant decrease in criminal activity and liability
- Elimination of $14,000/month full-time guard expense
- $120,000 increase in Net Operating Income (NOI)
- More than $1.2 million increase in property value
ECAM also played a direct role in real-time incident response:
- Theft in progress prevented: Operators identified suspicious behavior and alerted police before a robbery occurred, leading to suspects being caught in the act.
- Emergency response coordination: ECAM captured and reported a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian and building impact, enabling immediate emergency response.
By reducing crime, lowering operating costs, and increasing NOI, ECAM helped transform Forest Audelia Shopping Center into a safer, more valuable asset, demonstrating the measurable financial impact of proactive security solutions.
