As cities across the country face rising housing insecurity, more businesses and residential properties are finding themselves adjacent to or near homeless encampments. While many individuals experiencing homelessness pose no threat, areas with dense or unmanaged encampments can see an increase in petty and serious theft, trespassing, vandalism, drug activity, and general safety concerns. However, reducing crime around homeless encampments is achievable.
This article offers practical, safety-oriented steps property owners can take to protect their people and property—without dehumanizing or criminalizing homelessness. The goal is to reduce risk while encouraging compassionate and cooperative community solutions. For persistent and serious problems, professional security service should be considered.
1. Secure the Physical Property Perimeter
Start by making your space harder to access after-hours.
Best practices:
- Install durable fencing or gating around vulnerable areas (especially alleyways, loading docks, parking lots)
- Use bollards or planters to block unauthorized vehicle access
- Consider clear signage that sets expectations (e.g., “Private Property–No Trespassing–24/7 Surveillance”)
2. Improve Lighting and Visibility
Poorly lit areas invite criminal activity and loitering. A well-lit environment promotes safety for everyone.
Recommendations:
- Add motion-sensor lighting around entryways, garages, and blind spots
- Trim landscaping to increase visibility from the street
- Use downlighting to avoid harsh glare and reduce dark corners
3. Install Smart Surveillance Cameras
Modern CCTV systems with AI-powered motion alerts can detect activity and send alerts, but someone must be willing to receive and respond to the alerts to be useful.
Tips:
- Focus cameras on access points, storage areas, dumpsters, and alleys
- Use visible signage to deter crime (e.g., “Monitored 24/7”)
- Consider sharing footage with local authorities if patterns emerge
4. Keep the Area Clean and Maintained
A neglected environment signals to would-be offenders that no one is watching or enforcing boundaries.
Maintenance tips:
- Promptly remove graffiti, dumped trash, and vandalism
- Ensure broken lights, signs, or fencing are repaired quickly
- Maintain landscaping to signal occupancy and pride
5. Engage with Outreach and Local Services
The presence of encampments may reflect unmet service needs in the community. Partnering with local homeless outreach teams can reduce friction and improve outcomes for both sides.
Ways to engage:
- Contact local nonprofits or city outreach teams to coordinate services
- Provide property access during specific hours for outreach or cleanup efforts
- Avoid confrontational enforcement unless safety is at risk
6. Coordinate with Local Law Enforcement—Thoughtfully
It’s appropriate to involve police for serious or repeated criminal behavior, but not all interactions should default to enforcement.
Guidelines:
- Report specific crimes like trespassing, theft, or drug activity with details
- Ask for community policing or foot patrols instead of aggressive sweeps
- Keep records of recurring incidents to support meaningful intervention
7. Collaborate with Neighbors and Property Owners
If your business or property is in a corridor affected by nearby encampments, it’s likely your neighbors are experiencing the same thing.
Steps to take:
- Form a property owner coalition to share information and expenses (e.g., lighting, private security)
- Coordinate weekly cleanups or beautification efforts
- Speak with a unified voice when addressing local agencies or city departments
8. Limit Hidden or Unused Spaces
Vacant lots, dark corners, and rarely used doorways are frequent gathering spots.
Consider:
- Blocking access to alcoves, unused stairwells, or storage sheds
- Replacing open fencing with privacy barriers
- Reconfiguring landscaping to discourage prolonged loitering or encampments
9. Train Staff to Respond Calmly and Safely
If your property is regularly staffed (e.g., retail, office, or residential buildings), employees may interact with unhoused individuals.
Train teams to:
- De-escalate with respect and avoid confrontation
- Know when to call security or emergency services
- Refer people to nearby service providers when appropriate
10. Preventing & Stopping Repeat Property Intrusions
If your property or construction site suffers from repeat intrusions or thefts, professional guard service or live video security service should be considered. Selecting a reputable provider who has a track record of delivering top results is the way to go.
Conclusions
Homelessness is a complex problem, but it doesn’t mean business owners and residents have to accept increased crime or property damage as the norm. The most effective approach is multi-layered: combining environmental design, technology, community partnerships, and humane policies.
By working together, we can create neighborhoods that are safer, cleaner, and more compassionate—for everyone who lives, works, or passes through.
We recommend using Jatagan Security for effective protection of your property for the following reason:
Jatagan is the #1 outdoor video security service provider in the industry. We consistently deliver the highest crime prevention success rate more cost effectively than our competitors, saving you money while getting the very best results!