Live surveillance and rapid police response help prevent a hallway break-in at a multifamily property
Multifamily Security Is About More Than Just the Front Gate
Today’s apartment communities face rising safety challenges—from package theft to parking lot vandalism to unauthorized access in hallways and shared spaces. Many of these incidents happen late at night, when staff are offsite and traditional security measures are at their weakest.
A recent incident at a multifamily property in Oakland, CA, shows how live surveillance and swift law enforcement coordination can help stop threats before they impact resident safety or peace of mind.
What Happened: Masked Intruder Stopped in the Act
In the early morning hours, ECAM monitoring agents observed a masked individual in the hallway of an apartment community attempting to break into a residential unit. A voice-down warning was immediately issued, and local police were dispatched. Officers arrived on site quickly and made contact with the suspect, who was arrested without incident.
Thanks to early detection and real-time intervention, a potentially dangerous situation was resolved before anyone was harmed—and before the suspect could gain entry.
Why Multifamily Security Often Falls Short
Despite the risks, many apartment communities still rely on outdated surveillance tools or basic entry access controls. Static CCTV systems and locked entryways can help—but they rarely prevent active incidents or support timely law enforcement response.
And when an incident does occur, there’s often no usable footage, no real-time alerts, and no coordinated plan to protect residents or respond quickly.
That’s a problem—because when residents no longer feel safe in their homes, they leave.
Resident turnover can cost property managers between $1,500 and $3,500 per unit, and with rent growth and occupancy rates tightening, replacing those leases takes time and money that most properties can’t afford to lose.
What Could Have Gone Wrong
Without live video monitoring and immediate police response, this situation could have ended very differently:
- The suspect could have entered the unit, endangering the resident and escalating liability for the property.
- Delayed detection could have meant the intruder was never apprehended.
- News of the break-in might have spread among residents, damaging trust and increasing turnover risk.
- Without clear video evidence, management would have had little to support an investigation or insurance claim.
Instead, real-time detection and a clear response strategy helped prevent escalation, protect the resident, and preserve peace of mind.
A Lesson for Multifamily Operators
This Oakland incident highlights a growing reality: residents expect more from multifamily security. In an era of high expectations and tight margins, safety is no longer just a community amenity—it’s a business necessity.
Apartment operators looking to boost retention and reduce liability are investing in AI-powered surveillance, live video monitoring, and proactive response strategies that defend the areas residents care about most: where they park, where they walk, and where they sleep.
If your property still relies on passive video or delayed alarm systems, it may be time to reevaluate your approach.
Protect your residents—and your retention rates.
Learn how real-time surveillance and intelligent monitoring can help you respond faster, reduce turnover risk, and create a safer, more trusted living environment across your multifamily portfolio. Contact us today.
