While many states have seen alarming increases in numbers of people experiencing homelessness, Texas has been one of the few places in the US where the data has proven more promising.
The latest statistical data brings welcome news – homelessness in the Houston area decreased by 18% since 2020, reflecting promising progress by local organizations. The 2023 Point-in-Time Count, conducted by the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, found 3,270 persons facing housing instability on a given night across three counties. This continues an encouraging downward trajectory, with rates dropping 61% over the past decade.
While more work remains, communities are rallying together to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. The count provides a key benchmark to measure the impact of increased services, emergency shelters, affordable housing units and coordinated entry systems. Houston’s frontline agencies and advocates are driving this data-informed, humanitarian response.
While the work continues to reduce those experiencing housing instability, there remain numerous issues associated with homelessness across North America. These include the issues of loitering and property damage associated with unhoused persons “camping out” in perceived public spaces, like shopping centers, office buildings, and other private commercial properties.
Fortunately, ECAM can help with this problem. See how our proactive security solution can help deter and disperse after-hours loitering and trespassing in the video below:
At roughly 10:30 p.m., ECAM security operators monitoring a Texas shopping center spotted a group of individuals loitering in the parking lot and around the property with a shopping cart, camping chairs, and other belongings. Due to the nature of the activity, ECAM’s monitoring staff contacted local police dispatchers and informed them of the activity in progress. Responding officers arrived onsite quickly and could be seen on cameras making contact with the group, taking one individual into custody while safely dispersing the remaining group members without further incident.
Help Resolve and Deter Loitering and Other Unwanted Afterhours Activity at Your Property with Proactive Security
Addressing loitering and vagrancy challenges effectively is crucial for maintaining the security and integrity of your shopping center or retail property. While traditional surveillance cameras offer some level of deterrence, they often fall short in preventing incidents involving loitering, vandalism, parking lot issues, and other crimes. This shortfall is mainly because these cameras typically lack active monitoring, allowing perpetrators to easily evade detection or commit offenses without immediate consequence.
Enter ECAM’s live video monitoring solution – a dynamic and proactive approach to security. Our service goes beyond passive surveillance, utilizing analytics-driven cameras manned by trained security operators. These professionals can actively scan for any abnormal or suspicious activities, ensuring an effective and responsive security presence.
When they’ve detected any unusual behavior or potential threats, our team can swiftly take action. This includes activating audible alarms to proactively disperse trespassers and loiterers or contacting local law enforcement for immediate intervention in situations where it is deemed necessary. Our direct communication with police dispatchers, equipped with real-time details and descriptions of ongoing criminal activities, often results in heightened urgency and quicker on-site response.
Additionally, ECAM’s comprehensive approach includes a dedicated video review team. In the event of an incident, this team can meticulously analyze footage from relevant cameras, compiling detailed summaries and key information to aid in police investigations and address liability concerns.
By choosing ECAM’s proactive security solutions, you can not only minimize risk at your property from the adverse effects of loitering and vagrancy but also potentially achieve significant cost savings on security expenses of up to 60%. For a more secure, efficient, and cost-effective approach to protecting your retail or commercial property, contact our team of experienced commercial and retail property security specialists today and get all the details.
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
