News Summary
A growing squatter crisis in Clark County, particularly in Paradise Palms, is prompting homeowners to hire private security firms. With local police overwhelmed, companies like Protective Force International are responding to a surge in incidents. The situation has worsened due to the pandemic, leading to increased evictions and property damage. A new task force aims to address these issues as the community faces significant challenges amidst rising squatting and eviction rates.
Las Vegas – A growing squatter crisis in Clark County, particularly in neighborhoods like Paradise Palms, has led to a surge in the hiring of private security firms to protect residential communities and properties. Private security companies are increasingly filling the gaps left by local law enforcement, which is stretched thin across a large jurisdiction.
Jonathan Alvarez, the CEO of Protective Force International (PFI), indicated that his firm responds to over 550 properties daily, with approximately 30 to 40 percent of its business coming from homeowners associations seeking enhanced security measures. The increasing number of squatters has compelled many homeowners to seek private security as a precautionary measure.
The insufficient police resources in the area are a concern raised by Alvarez and supported by Clark County Commissioner Tick Segerblom. The jurisdiction of the local police station extends south of the airport, which limits their capacity to respond effectively to squatting incidents among other community issues.
Challenges Faced by Homeowners
As squatting continues to rise, particularly in vacant apartment complexes, homeowners are advised to report incidents to local law enforcement to ensure proper legal recourse. Alvarez and PFI offer recommendations for those unable to contract private security, including implementing basic security measures such as perimeter defenses and installing security cameras.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the housing crisis in the area, with thousands of residents losing their homes, thereby contributing to an increase in squatting incidents. Empty apartment complexes with numerous vacant units have become prime targets for squatters, some proximity to their previous homes. PFI currently contracts with over 300 apartment complexes and is actively organizing a task force to combat the escalating issue of squatting.
New Task Force and Security Measures
The new task force, led by Sgt. Jailyn Thompson, is focused on managing and reducing squatter activities as eviction rates continue to rise. To supplement these efforts, PFI officers are trained in Nevada laws related to citizens’ arrests and are prepared to handle both misdemeanors and felonies occurring within their presence. Officers frequently encounter various dangers, including potential attacks while approaching vacant units where illegal activities may be taking place.
In recent operations to clear squatters from vacant units, security teams have come across individuals facing various distressing situations, including drug influence and the need for medical assistance. These vacant spaces have been linked to more severe dangers, such as makeshift drug labs, potential explosives, and alarming signs of child trafficking, all of which contribute to the urgency of the security operations.
Using high-tech capabilities, like drones, PFI has enhanced its monitoring of properties to track individuals attempting to escape and collaborates with Metro Police to address suspected criminal activities in vacant units. Property managers have been advised to avoid publicly disclosing specific available units to reduce potential targeting by squatters.
Impact of Squatting on Property Owners
As squatting activities lead to extensive property damage, property owners are facing high repair costs, notably with plumbing issues. PFI has documented the information of identified trespassers in a database shared with local law enforcement, contributing to a coordinated response to the ongoing situation.
Last year, Clark County recorded over 33,000 evictions, a statistic that underscores the ongoing housing crisis impacting the region. The current eviction rates for this year are still pending updates, as inquiries from local authorities remain in progress. The rise in eviction and squatting rates presents significant challenges for both communities and local law enforcement, reinforcing the critical need for enhanced security solutions in the face of these increasing pressures.
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Additional Resources
- News Source: News3LV
- Wikipedia: Squatting
- News Source: Hotel Online
- Google Search: Squatter Crisis Las Vegas
- News Source: Fox5 Vegas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Squatter
- News Source: Fox5 Vegas
- Google News: Squatter Activity Las Vegas
- News Source: Realtor.com
- Google Scholar: Squatting Laws
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
