How real-time surveillance helps property managers respond fast—and keep unwanted activity off-site
Keeping Unwanted Activity Off the Premises Is About More Than Safety
For multifamily operators, the presence of suspicious individuals near building entrances isn’t just a safety concern—it’s a resident satisfaction issue. When tenants see loiterers or strangers hanging around common areas, it can erode their sense of security, lower retention, and increase the likelihood of turnover.
And turnover is costly. Replacing just one resident can cost between $1,500 to $3,500, especially in today’s challenging rental market. That makes proactive security not just a safety measure—but a strategic investment.
A recent incident at an apartment community in San Diego, CA, shows how real-time surveillance and rapid police coordination can help stop potential threats before they compromise resident safety or peace of mind.
What Happened: Suspicious Behavior Leads to Police Response
In the evening hours, ECAM monitoring agents observed an individual lingering just outside the entryway of a San Diego apartment community. The person’s behavior raised red flags, and agents immediately notified local law enforcement while continuing to monitor the situation in real time.
Shortly after, officers arrived on scene. The individual was quickly located, detained, and escorted off the property—before any escalation occurred.
Quiet Moments Can Lead to Big Problems
This wasn’t a break-in. But it could have been.
And for property managers, even these low-level incidents carry a high cost:
- Residents lose confidence in their safety
- Lease renewal rates drop
- Management faces questions they can’t answer without proof
- Word of mouth—and online reviews—take a hit
In today’s tight rental market, where occupancy gains are hard-won and margins are thin, you can’t afford repeated moments like this.
Security That Doesn’t Wait for a Crime to Happen
Not every threat announces itself with a crowbar. Sometimes, it’s just someone lurking too close, too late at night.
Modern multifamily security needs to be proactive, not reactive. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Live video monitoring that flags unusual behavior in real time
- Human intervention that verifies what’s happening and contacts police quickly
- Audio talk-downs that deter individuals before they attempt entry
- Visual records that protect managers from liability and help police respond
Safety Isn’t a Feature—It’s a Foundation
This incident didn’t result in damage or arrest. And that’s a success story.
Because effective surveillance isn’t just about catching the worst-case scenario—it’s about stopping it from happening at all.
When your residents feel like someone’s looking out for them, they stay longer. They tell their friends. And you spend less time explaining why your front door wasn’t enough.
Don’t wait until your next review mentions safety.
Discover how real-time monitoring and live intervention can help your team protect what matters most—before a minor incident becomes a major problem.
