NorthTown Square Case Study

How Columbia Protection Reduced Crime by 90% in 30 Days

The Challenge

When NorthTown Square in North Spokane partnered with Columbia Protection, the property was experiencing ongoing criminal activity that was affecting tenants, customers, employees, and overall property conditions.

Property management faced challenges common to many commercial centers across the region, including trespassing, illegal camping, loitering, disorderly behavior, and other criminal activity, which created safety concerns and negatively affected the customer experience.

Like many property owners, they had already learned that simply having a security vehicle from one of the “big box” companies drive through the property occasionally was not enough to create meaningful change.

They needed results. They needed custom help.

Our Approach

Columbia Protection began with a comprehensive site assessment to identify both the criminal activity occurring on the property and the environmental conditions contributing to it.

Rather than focusing solely on enforcement, we implemented a layered crime reduction strategy designed to address the root causes of the problem.

The program included:

  • Armed security patrols

  • Randomized patrol schedules

  • High-visibility officer presence

  • Proactive engagement with trespassers

  • Detailed incident documentation and reporting

  • Coordination with property management

  • CPTED-based security recommendations

  • Environmental improvements and deterrence measures

Our officers were instructed to actively patrol the property, engage with individuals creating issues, identify emerging concerns, and provide actionable recommendations to ownership.

The Difference

Many security companies focus on observing and reporting.

Columbia Protection focuses on reducing crime.

Our officers are expected to leave the vehicle, inspect the property, identify vulnerabilities, engage professionally with individuals causing problems, and work closely with management to address recurring issues.

This approach integrates security personnel, environmental design, technology, and operational strategy into a single crime-reduction program.

The Results

Within approximately 30 days of implementation, NorthTown Square experienced:

over 90% Reduction in Criminal Activity

The property saw a dramatic decrease in criminal and nuisance activity, including:

  • Trespassing

  • Illegal camping

  • Loitering

  • Disorderly conduct

  • Property-related incidents

The improvements were significant enough that both tenants and property management noticed the difference almost immediately.

Most importantly, the improvements were (and are currently) sustained throughout the duration of service.

Long-Term Impact

Reducing crime is not simply about responding to incidents.

Long-term success comes from changing behavior, increasing perceived risk for offenders, eliminating opportunities for criminal activity, and creating an environment where legitimate customers feel safe and welcome.

Through a combination of visible deterrence, proactive patrols, environmental improvements, and accountability, NorthTown Square transitioned from reacting to crime to actively preventing it.

What This Means for Property Owners

Every property is different, but the principles remain the same.

When criminal activity is allowed to continue unchecked, it often escalates. Tenants become frustrated, customers avoid the area, maintenance costs increase, and property values can suffer.

A strategic security program can reverse that trend.

Our goal is not to create a permanent dependency on security officers. Instead, we work to reduce crime, improve conditions, and implement long-term solutions that create lasting results.

Services Used

  • Armed Security Patrols

  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

  • Security Assessments

  • Incident Reporting and Analytics

  • Trespass Mitigation

  • Risk Reduction Consulting

  • Property Security Planning

About Columbia Protection

Columbia Protection is a disabled veteran-owned security and protective services company serving Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Deer Park, Davenport, Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, and surrounding communities.

Our team provides armed security, patrol services, alarm response, court security, event security, executive protection, training, and security consulting. We focus on measurable crime reduction, professional service, and long-term solutions that protect people, property, and businesses.

Request a Security Assessment

If your property is experiencing trespassing, illegal camping, theft, vandalism, disorderly conduct, or other security concerns, contact Columbia Protection to schedule a professional security assessment and learn how a strategic security program can help reduce crime and improve property conditions.