Vacant properties with a history of drug activity and vandalism can quickly destabilize surrounding neighborhoods. Once a building becomes unsecure, it often attracts repeat trespassing, illegal activity, and damage that escalates over time.
This was the situation with a vacant motel in Phoenix. The property had a documented history of unauthorized access and drug use, and its presence was negatively affecting the surrounding community. The goal of securing the building wasn’t just asset protection — it was stopping the site from continuing to be a problem.
“The whole reason we took custody of that property was to help the neighborhood, so it wouldn’t continue to be a bad attraction.”
Why Temporary Security Didn’t Work
Like many vacant properties, the motel was initially secured using common temporary methods. Plywood boarding and light‑duty mesh doors were installed to slow access.
They didn’t last.
Trespassers repeatedly removed these barriers, gaining access with basic tools. The reality is simple: plywood and other sub-standard materials are easy to defeat.
Each breach triggered another round of re‑securing — more contractor visits, more cost, and more time spent addressing the same issue over and over again.
A Different Approach to Vacant Property Security
To break the cycle, purpose‑built steel security doors designed specifically for vacant properties were installed on all primary access points.
These doors weren’t intended to delay entry. They were designed to prevent it entirely.
The impact was immediate.
“Whenever we got in and installed the security doors, we didn’t see any further issues. People stopped trying to vandalize or hang out around the property and use it for drugs.”
The Result
After installation:
- Unauthorized access stopped
- Vandalism ceased
- Drug activity disappeared
- The property no longer posed a risk to the neighborhood
Just as importantly, the need for repeated re‑securing was eliminated.
The Takeaway
For vacant properties with recurring nuisance activity, temporary security often creates ongoing cost and operational burden. Permanent physical security changes the outcome by removing access altogether — stabilizing the property and the surrounding community.
