Rising Crime at The Vault Apartments Prompts Statesboro’s Official Warning
The City of Statesboro recently sent a notice to The Vault apartment complex, addressing the rise in crime at the complex. The notice states that crime in the vicinity has escalated from being “foreseeable” to “expected.” The city issued this letter to formally acknowledge their awareness of the ongoing criminal incidents on the property.
“We finally had to say enough is enough,” said City Manager Charles Penny.
Penny reported that the complex has been the source of over 200 police calls since the beginning of the year. The breaking point, he said, was the recent incident in which a resident, uninvolved in any criminal activity, was shot while sleeping in his room.
“After the last shooting, we decided it was necessary to send this letter to formally notify them that this situation has become a nuisance in our community and that they need to take action,” Penny stated.
The city’s letter emphasizes that Georgia courts have established that landlords can be held civilly liable for criminal activity that is considered foreseeable. It goes on to assert that criminal activity in the area has exceeded foreseeable levels, becoming both likely and expected based on this year’s events.
This notice now holds the apartment complex legally responsible for any future injuries or property damage resulting from criminal activity. The letter also includes a four-page reminder about an existing city program that offers funding for security enhancements.
“We have seen significant reductions in crime at other apartment complexes where these security cameras have been installed,” Penny added.
Georgia Negligent Security Law
Under Georgia’s negligent security laws, apartment owners and management firms are required to ensure the safety of their properties by implementing preventive measures to ward off crimes and injuries on their premises. This responsibility includes regularly assessing security risks, especially in areas with high crime rates, and taking remedial steps such as improving lighting, installing surveillance cameras, and adding secure gates and fencing.
These enhancements not only protect residents but also contribute to the safety of the broader neighborhood by deterring criminal activities. Working collaboratively with local police and community groups can further amplify these positive effects, reinforcing the law’s emphasis on proactive security measures. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in legal liability.
A History of Crime at The Vault Apartments
The Vault has had multiple criminal incidents involving guns over the last 4 years. In April 2024, prior to the City Manager letter, we covered a shooting at The Vault that left a 17-year-old dead. Later that same month another shooting left a resident sitting in his apartment wounded. In October of 2021, there was a shooting death at the student living apartment complex. In June of 2020, a major crime bust at The Vault apartments that included drugs and weapons.
Online Reviews for The Vault describe an environment that is unsafe for its residents. “Do not live here,” warns a recent reviewer stating there are “shootings every other day and they do nothing about it.”
Another resident writes, “Second time this year there has been a shooting and we know NOTHING! It’s a sad feeling going to the gym and coming back to 12 cop cars and not expecting it. The vault has to do better. Please do not stay here. Not safe especially for college students.”
Only Crime Victims or Their Relatives Can Demand Justice
In Georgia, apartment owners are legally required to take specific measures to protect their properties against foreseeable criminal activities. While law enforcement officers work diligently to apprehend criminals, they lack the authority to compel apartment owners to enhance security or compensate victims of security breaches.
If someone becomes a victim of a crime on one of these properties, it falls on the victim or their family to pursue legal action against the property owners. While financial compensation may cover expenses such as medical bills or lost wages, it rarely alleviates the emotional trauma experienced by victims. Nonetheless, substantial compensation might encourage property owners to improve security measures, thereby preventing future incidents and underscoring the importance of accountability in maintaining a safe environment for all residents.
By holding property owners and landlords accountable, together we can Make Georgia Safe, one community at a time.