Police Urge Owner and Property Manager of Cambridge at Southern – The Pines to Strengthen Security to Prevent Further Gun Violence

For years, the Statesboro Police Department has been actively promoting safety improvements at the Cambridge at Southern – The Pines, a student living apartment complex for Georgia Southern University students that has a troubling history of violent crime.

The Statesboro Police Department (SPD) offered to partner with The Scion Group, owner of three student-living apartment communities in Statesboro, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard residents and visitors to the apartments. This included a detailed “Site Security Assessment” highlighted several recommended upgrades, including better fencing, more surveillance cameras, and improved lighting. These suggestions aim to create a safer, more secure living environment for all residents.

During the “Site Security Assessment” in February 2021, a police liaison recommended that “certain aspects of security be strengthened.” These included:

• Adding fences and gates to limit unauthorized access
• Adding cameras in the complex, including near entrances, covering parking lots, and in breezeways.
• Giving SPD remote access to cameras to help speed response times
• Fixing non-functioning exterior lighting
• Adding lighting between buildings
• Adding larger illuminated building numbers and signage
• Trimming hedges to limit where criminals may hide.

The refusal of Cambridge at Southern’s owners and property managers to implement necessary security upgrades, despite being fully aware of the crime problems and receiving an offer of help from the SPD, indicates that the company prioritized profit over the well-being of its residents.

We Know These Security Enhancements Work

The day following a fatal shooting at one of their Statesboro properties in April 2023, SPD Captain Jared Akins reached out to Michael Weaver at The Scion Group with an urgent request to take action in order to halt the ongoing violence.

“I’ve attached the two security assessments completed by our agency for both Cambridges in 2021 at the request of the then-managers. The officer made certain recommendations regarding access control and camera placement, none of which to my knowledge have been attempted,” wrote Captain Akins.

“This isn’t a problem that started this week. The three Scion properties are only beaten out in terms of violent crime by an apartment complex which is low-income and historically the most violent in the entire city.,” Captain Akins added. “Contrast that with the numbers for the Axis [also a student living apartment]. That property is directly across from the Cambridges and has one of the lowest crime rates in the city.”

Captain Akins continued “Several years ago, it was the scene of exactly the same level of violence now being seen at the Cambridges, including a homicide. Access Control, surveillance systems, and a zero-tolerance policy towards lease violations fixed that. The same result is possible with the Scion properties. We are willing to fully partner with you in making that happen.”

The owners and property management team at Axis collaborated with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to devise a strategy aimed at reducing violence. Their efforts worked!

Georgia Negligent Security Law

Georgia’s negligent security law outlines apartment owners’ and management companies’ responsibility to keep their properties safe. This law states that these owners and managers must take steps to prevent crimes and injuries on their premises, or they could be held liable. This means they need to be proactive in identifying security risks and taking action to address them, ensuring the safety of their tenants and visitors.

Apartment owners and managers have a clear set of responsibilities under Georgia law. They need to keep their properties secure, which involves regular checks to find and fix any security weaknesses. This is especially important if the property is in an area with high crime rates or has had security problems in the past.

To meet these responsibilities, apartment owners and managers can implement a variety of measures. These involve enhancements to the physical infrastructure, such as improving lighting, installing surveillance cameras, implementing secure entry systems, and employing security patrols. Such measures not only diminish the likelihood of liability for incidents but also enhance the overall safety of the living environment for residents.

Improving security in an apartment complex doesn’t just benefit those living there; it can make the whole neighborhood safer. When one property takes steps to reduce crime, it can deter criminal activity in the area, leading to a broader impact on community safety. Working with local police and community groups can further enhance this effect, showing how improved security in one place can contribute to a wider area’s well-being.

A History of Crime at the Cambridge at Southern – The Pines Apartments

In September 2019 a shooting at The Pines complex resulted in two injured parties. In April 2023, a series of shootings resulted in multiple injuries and one 19-year-old man dead from gun violence. In February 2023, three were injured by gunfire and one was killed in the apartment’s parking lot. Police records dating back to 2018 record 31 reported instances of crimes involving guns.

Online reviews mention poor maintenance and the regular presence of crime at the complex. “Gunshots could be heard constantly. The place is not equipped with cameras and security,” wrote one resident. “In fact, someone was murdered in broad daylight next to my apartment.”

“The crime rate is through the roof, there has been at least 5 shootings this year alone,” states another resident, also warning, “Do not move here, plain and simple.”

Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice

In Georgia, the law states apartment owners have to take certain steps to keep their places safe from foreseeable crime. While police officers are out there working to catch criminals and bring them to justice, they can’t force these apartment owners to beef up security or pay victims when things go wrong.

What happens if someone becomes a victim of a crime on one of these properties? It’s up to the victim or their family to step up and take legal action against the property owners, asking for money to cover things like doctor’s bills or lost wages if they can’t work. But remember, no amount of money can truly make up for the emotional pain and trauma that comes with being a victim of a crime.

It’s worth mentioning that awarding victims a large amount of money might encourage property owners and managers to improve their security, which could help prevent future crimes. This proactive strategy not only protects the community but also highlights the critical role of accountability in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents.

By holding property owners and landlords accountable, together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.