How University Village Shopping Center Cut Security Costs and Reduced Crime With ECAM
About University Village Shopping Center
University Village Shopping Center is owned and managed by Spalding Commercial, LLC, a Southern California-based real estate development and management company and affiliate of Camden Holdings. Its portfolio includes approximately 100 retail properties across the region.
Located across from California State University, San Bernardino, the property sits in an economically challenged area with one of the highest crime rates in the country, creating ongoing security and operational challenges for ownership and tenants.
The Challenge for University Village Shopping Center
High crime, tenant impact, and rising guard costs were creating an unsustainable security model.
The property had become a frequent gathering place for vagrants, leading to loitering, trash accumulation, and ongoing disturbances. Break-ins were also a regular occurrence, and local police and fire services could only provide limited support.
To manage these issues, ownership relied heavily on an armed security guard, which became the largest expense in the property’s monthly budget. As crime persisted, guard hours increased, and costs were passed on to tenants, many of whom struggled to absorb the additional financial burden.
How ECAM Helped Resolve This Client’s Biggest Concerns
A proactive surveillance system replaced reactive security and reduced reliance on on-site guards.
ECAM designed and implemented a comprehensive, technology-driven security solution tailored to the property’s layout and risk profile.
Key actions included:
- Strategic camera deployment: Seventeen cameras were installed across the shopping center to maximize visibility and eliminate blind spots.
- Active remote monitoring: ECAM’s monitoring team provided continuous oversight, identifying and addressing suspicious activity in real time.
- Audio deterrence: An on-site speaker system allowed operators to issue warnings and disperse unwanted individuals before incidents escalated.
- Custom security design: ECAM’s team surveyed the property and developed a solution specific to the site’s challenges and crime patterns.
This approach shifted the property from a reactive model to a proactive, deterrence-based security strategy.
ECAM’s solution works as advertised. It has gone a long way to clean up our center and deter crime. Not only have we been able to increase our security, but we have cut the largest expenditure of our monthly budget in half.
Tobias Miller
President, Spalding Commercial LLC
The ECAM Difference
Lower costs, fewer incidents, and improved tenant experience transformed the property’s performance.
ECAM’s solution delivered both immediate and long-term improvements across security, cost efficiency, and tenant satisfaction.
Key outcomes included:
- 50% reduction in security costs, saving approximately $42,000 annually
- Reduced reliance on full-time guards, transitioning to daytime-only patrols
- Fewer break-ins and incidents due to proactive monitoring and audio deterrence
- Improved tenant satisfaction through lower CAM fees and enhanced safety
- Stronger perception of security, creating a more stable and welcoming environment
By combining technology, real-time monitoring, and proactive deterrence, ECAM helped University Village transform from a high-risk property into a safer, more cost-efficient retail environment.
