Handling the problem of loitering has become a consistent need for businesses. Receiving visits from uninvited people who have no connection to your enterprise can pose a significant risk for your business in terms of profitability, public image, and liability. Understanding the causes of loitering can help you prevent this problem at your site.
What Causes Loitering?
It’s certainly possible that a trespasser may have arrived at your property with the intention of committing a crime. If you keep valuable inventory, theft may very well be the motive behind some trespassing. Very often though, uninvited visitors are homeless and seeking shelter, food or other resources.
According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness increased in 2017 from the previous year. This was the first national increase in homelessness in seven years. This increase in homelessness can impact any business, especially when homeless people are unsure about where they can safely sleep. Under these conditions, your business property may well look like a good spot for a few hours’ rests.
Difficult Position for Businesses
Your enterprise is a business first, and you need to remove any issues that can affect profitability. Handling this situation can be a double-edged sword for business owners. Failing to deal with loiterers, particularly those who are homeless, in a respectful manner can lead to liability and public image problems.
Know the Laws in Your Area
The homelessness that often drives loitering isn’t limited by geographic area. According to a study by Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, youth in rural areas are just as likely to have experienced homelessness as youth from urban areas. No matter where you are, vagrancy and trespassing can easily affect your business.
Local laws vary widely in their treatment of homelessness and vagrancy. In some places, you can legally ask people to move away from the sidewalk near your property. In others, people are permitted to remain on the sidewalk if they aren’t behaving aggressively or otherwise posing a problem.
Does Loitering Create Risks?
The presence of intruders or loiterers can have a significant impact on your business.
Impact on Profit: The sight of individuals camping out or sleeping around your business could discourage anyone who visits your place of business. Whether customers, industry partners or vendors, visitors may not feel safe if your facility doesn’t appear to be secure.
Increase in Crimes: While many uninvited visitors may simply be looking for a place to sleep, some may resort to theft, particularly if you have inventory that can be quickly resold, such as cannabis. You could also be on the receiving end of vandalism or other activities that affect the appearance of your property.
Public Relations Issues: If your business develops an image as either a hangout for vagrants or as a place that treats vulnerable members of society harshly, your business could suffer. Addressing loiterers can seem like a no-win for your business.
How to Prevent Loitering
Homelessness and other factors that contribute to loitering have existed for a long time. Despite these persistent problems, there are things you can do to reduce vagrancy on and around your business.
Improve Lighting: A well-lit property is less likely to attract anyone looking for a quiet, secluded place to spend time.
Post Warnings: No trespassing signs also send a clear message that uninvited visitors are not permitted on the property.
Remove Discarded Items: Many businesses must discard damaged or used products. When thrown into an open trash container, these items can be an attractive nuisance. Anything that can be reused or resold should be secured and out of sight.
Maintain Building Appearance: If your property is obviously inspected and tended to every day, it will be less likely to attract the attention of someone who wants to remain undisturbed. Repair any obviously broken items like steps or fences and be sure to clear away trash and other debris. If your business has a nonworking vehicle, store it in a place that isn’t visible to the public.
Security Guard: Having a live person available to respond to intruders or other emergencies can be a solution for your business. Still, there are also some drawbacks to having live on-site security. Security staff will possibly encounter people who are disruptive at best and criminal at worst. A confrontation gone wrong can pose a serious liability risk to your business.
The Best Solution
Live, remote video monitoring removes the risks involved with the hiring of on-site guards and protects your business around the clock.
EyeQ Monitoring is a leading provider of remote surveillance. Our live agents are available to keep a watchful eye on your property, even when you aren’t. By installing and maintain the latest video surveillance technology, we protect you from the pitfalls of outdated technology.
Our specially trained agents are prepared to monitor those systems and to respond to security issues in real-time at a fraction of the cost of on-site guards. We’re experienced in providing monitoring services in a wide range of industries across the US. At EyeQ Monitoring, we’re committed to passion, integrity, and excellence.
If you would like more information about our live video monitoring services to protect your property, please contact us.
