{"id":25659,"date":"2023-12-07T14:00:17","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T14:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/security-videos\/suspicious-activity-at-south-carolina-shopping-center-resolved-with-surveillance"},"modified":"2025-06-09T15:04:49","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T15:04:49","slug":"suspicious-activity-at-south-carolina-shopping-center-resolved-with-surveillance","status":"publish","type":"video","link":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/security-videos\/suspicious-activity-at-south-carolina-shopping-center-resolved-with-surveillance","title":{"rendered":"Suspicious Activity at South Carolina Shopping Center Resolved with Surveillance"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Commercial property owners are likely familiar with the risks associated with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/security-blog\/why-roof-security-is-more-critical-than-you-think\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">copper theft from their properties<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. These issues are multifaceted and can significantly disrupt operations. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/industry-security-solutions\/shopping-centers-and-retail\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Shopping and retail centers<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> are particularly at risk due to their layouts, designed to be easily accessible for pedestrian traffic- making them a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/security-blog\/a-case-of-meddling-metal-thieves\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">desirable target for copper thieves<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> especially in the middle of the night<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The surging price of scrap copper has made commercial properties <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">especially<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> lucrative targets for thieves, causing a myriad of challenges for property owners and managers. The repercussions of copper theft extend beyond the immediate financial loss from the stolen metal, but by understanding these risks, commercial property owners can better prepare and implement measures to mitigate the threats posed by copper theft. Here are a few of the most impactful risks below:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Disruption of Essential Services:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Copper is a critical material used in various infrastructure systems. The theft of copper can disrupt essential services like electricity, telecommunications, transportation, water supply, heating, security, and emergency services, which can, in turn, jeopardize public safety.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Property Damage:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Often, the act of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.investorsomaha.com\/newsletter\/copper-thieves-cause-more-damage-than-the-metal-is-worth\/#:~:text=The%20cost%20to%20real%20estate,stemming%20from%20stolen%20copper%20pipes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">stealing copper can cause extensive property damage<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. The thieves might damage walls, ceilings, or floors to access copper wiring and pipes, leading to additional repair costs. For instance, theft can result in water damage if copper pipes are stolen.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Financial Losses:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Copper theft can incur <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aegisifs.com\/blog\/how-prevent-copper-wire-theft-your-commercial-property\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">substantial financial losses for property owners<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. This includes the cost of replacing stolen copper, repairing any collateral damage caused during the theft, and potential revenue losses from temporary closures necessary for repairs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Threat to Critical Infrastructure:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> The <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">FBI notes that copper thefts are a threat to US critical infrastructure<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">, targeting a variety of sites including electrical sub-stations, cellular towers, telephone land lines, railroads, water wells, construction sites, and vacant homes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Increased Operational Costs:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> Businesses may face increased operational costs due to the need for enhanced security measures to deter copper thefts, such as installing better lighting, fencing, and surveillance systems.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Insurance Claims and Premiums:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> The occurrence of copper theft can lead to insurance claims, which might result in increased insurance premiums over time.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Because copper wiring is often found in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/security-blog\/early-morning-shopper-for-stolen-goods-stopped-at-shopping-center\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">electrical<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> and HVAC systems, their theft can result in expensive repair and replacement costs for companies along with potential revenue losses from temporary closures while systems are out of commission.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">See how ECAM\u2019s live video monitoring solution can help deter and intervene in potential copper thefts in the video below.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe title=\"Suspicious Activity at South Carolina Shopping Center Stopped with Surveillance\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HpYoy3xgOI4?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/ecam.com\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">At approximately 9:26 a.m., ECAM security professionals monitoring a South Carolina shopping center noticed suspicious activity at the rear of the property, near the electrical boxes and HVAC systems. Observing monitoring operators immediately activated onsite audible warnings and contacted local police dispatch due to the nature of the activity being observed. Officers arrived onsite quickly and could be seen on camera engaging with, and ultimately taking into custody the individual seen tampering with the property.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Customizable, Real-Time Security that Meets the Unique Needs of Your Retail Property<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Running a retail property comes with unique security challenges. With varied layouts, tenant mixes, damage risks, and foot traffic patterns, off-the-shelf security solutions simply won&#8217;t cut it. You need a highly customizable system tailored to your unique property&#8217;s specific vulnerabilities.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">That&#8217;s why ECAM&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/solutions\/live-video-monitoring-and-surveillance\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">live video monitoring<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\"> is the ideal solution. With strategic camera placement and real-time monitoring by trained professionals, we actively watch for suspicious activity as it occurs &#8211; whether it&#8217;s trespassers, copper thieves, vandals, illegal dumping, or prowlers.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">When our operators spot undesirable behavior, we can quickly activate speakers, or dispatch police to intervene before major damages are done. And thanks to our real-time video, dispatch typically prioritizes our calls for urgent response. We&#8217;ve <\/span><a href=\"\/category\/arrests\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">apprehended many criminals red-handed this way<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A static camera can&#8217;t compare to having actual humans actively monitoring your property and assets. Let us customize an affordable security solution for your unique property, tenants, and needs.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learn more about ECAM&#8217;s proactive, tailored security services when you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/contact\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">contact us today<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">. We&#8217;ll help you secure your property in ways generic systems simply can&#8217;t.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":25660,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[348,358],"industry":[331],"solution":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-25659","1":"video","2":"type-video","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"tag-shopping-center-security-en-ca","7":"tag-videos-en-ca","8":"industry-shopping-centers-and-retail-en-ca","9":"entry"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/video\/25659","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/video"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/video"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/103"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/video\/25659\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25660"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25659"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25659"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=25659"},{"taxonomy":"solution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecam.com\/en-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/solution?post=25659"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}