While dumpster diving is technically legal in all 50 states, as ruled by the Supreme Court in 1988, it’s typically only illegal in a few sets of circumstances- and legality varies based on local ordinances. While public spaces like curbsides may be considered fair game, diving in dumpsters on private property, such as those belonging to commercial entities, can constitute trespassing or theft. Additionally, tampering with locked dumpsters or ignoring warning signs can lead to legal consequences, including fines or arrests.Â
Dumpster diving may seem relatively harmless, but it poses real-life security risks. Information retrieved from dumpsters can be used in identity theft and social engineering attacks. The discarded documents or digital devices in commercial dumpsters could contain sensitive data, making businesses vulnerable to data breaches and fraud. Cybersecurity expert Pieter VanIperen highlights these risks, underscoring that dumpster diving can lead to a detailed understanding of a person’s or a business’s activities, potentially leading to ransom attacks and social engineering.Â
All the more reason to be certain that dumpsters on your commercial property remain secure and free from trespassers and trash pickers. In this Arrest of the Month video, Stealth’s team of trained security professionals caught sight of a duo of divers climbing into a Florida office building’s dumpster- watch and see what happened next:Â
At approximately 2:07 a.m., Stealth security professionals spotted a duo of trespassers approaching a dumpster on private office property in Florida. Audible alarms were activated, and local police contacted right away. Responding officers arrived quickly and could be seen taking one of the individuals into custody while the other was directed to leave the area without further incident.Â
Help Keep Your Commercial Property’s Tenants and Their Businesses Safe with Live Video MonitoringÂ
For commercial property owners, ensuring a secure environment for tenants and minimizing liability exposure is crucial for the success of their property. Commercial properties often discard materials like promotional posters, marketing resources, and unsold products. Dumpster diving can lead to the unauthorized use or redistribution of these materials, potentially causing financial loss and brand reputation damage to businesses​​.Â
Unchecked dumpster diving on commercial properties can lead to severe data security risks, legal issues, health and safety hazards, and commercial losses. These dangers underscore the need for businesses to implement measures to safeguard their dumpsters. Fortunately, Stealth Monitoring has an effective solution: live video monitoring.Â
Traditional surveillance systems, while useful in retrospect, often fall short in real-time effectiveness due to challenges in accessing specific footage and identifying suspects. Stealth’s live video monitoring revolutionizes property security. This proactive solution offers customizable, real-time monitoring and response, potentially saving 25-60% compared to conventional security measures. By integrating advanced video analytics with skilled security professionals, we can actively observe and respond to incidents as they occur.Â
Our highly trained security personnel can not only monitor critical areas and deter trespassers with onsite alarms, but in urgent situations, they can also provide live, detailed reports to law enforcement, helping to ensure swift and efficient responses. Â
Discover how our innovative approach can enhance security for office buildings and other commercial properties. Contact us today for more information on achieving superior security outcomes.Â
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704 Â