LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – There are hundreds of vacant apartment units in the Las Vegas Valley, and they can sit empty for a while.
This creates a perfect opening for squatters to move right in.
It is a problem that apartment complexes are tackling on a daily, but this month FOX5 got an exclusive look into a private security company’s major operation to clear out squatters from one complex. You also might recognize the team as they patrol several on and off-Strip properties.
Earlier this year we reported how Protective Force International created its own task force of around 10 people to combat squatters. This early morning mission that FOX5 was invited to needed to go as planned, so we met up with them and suited up in protective gear for our own safety.
FOX5 was told to not name this particular complex, but Chief Jonathan Alvarez said the new owners want to clear it out of any illegal activity. The team had more than 120 empty units that they needed to go through.
“If we find an individual in a vacant unit, we are going to place them in custody,” Alvarez said.
Not only did the security team have boots on the ground, but eyes above with their drone, which watched their every move. Chief Alvarez stood armed and ready to watch his team’s back.
“We watch for anyone approaching us, and anyone watching us through the window,” Chief Alvarez said.
Before entering each unit, the team had to make themselves known by yelling out, “Property enforcement, make yourself known.”
The team did not find anyone in the first several units, but in less than an hour, the team spotted two people coming out of a unit that was supposed to be vacant and boarded up. They found another person who needed medical help.
“He is vomiting here, looks like he is under the influence of some sort of substance,” Chief Alvarez said.
Several hours later, a total of three people were found. Even though it is a small number, these squatters are not always people just looking for shelter.
“Our teams have found credit card labs, drug labs, individuals and children that are being trafficked, all the way to possible explosive devices,” Chief Alvarez said.
On top of that, the damage that is sometimes left behind can cost property owners thousands of dollars.
“Probably some of the worst things you see when you go into the vacant unit, is the plumbing doesn’t work,” said Lt. Randall Caldwell, who entered most of the units.
As there are still many empty units in the valley, this security team tells FOX5 they will continue to monitor more than 300 complexes.
Of the three individuals who were found, one had to be taken to the hospital and the other two were given citations from the security company for unlawful occupancy and trespassing.
Their information is then uploaded into a system shared with Metro Police, according to Chief Alvarez.
Last year, there were more than 33,000 evictions throughout the valley. FOX5 has reached out to Clark County for the current numbers but we are still waiting to hear back.
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