Be Aware: Exterior Outlets Can Attract Unintended Use
Businesses and residents in our district should be aware that exterior electrical outlets can unintentionally attract individuals looking for places to charge phones or other devices. When outlets are accessible from sidewalks, alleyways, or building exteriors, people may begin using them without permission, which can sometimes lead to loitering, trespassing concerns, or safety issues around a property.
Our team recently encountered a situation where an individual was using an exterior outlet behind a building to charge a device. Staff spoke with the individual and explained that the outlet was private and that remaining on the property to use it constitutes trespassing. The individual was asked to move along and discontinue using the outlet.
When situations like this occur, our team also tries to connect individuals with appropriate resources. In this case, the individual was informed about the Oasis Day Center located at Broadway and 6th, where people can safely charge phones and devices while accessing supportive services.
Steps Property Owners Can Take
To help prevent unauthorized use of exterior outlets, businesses and residents may want to consider several preventative measures:
Hide or cover exterior outlets using locking outlet covers.
Turn off power to outside outlets when they are not needed.
Install outlets higher on buildings so they are not accessible from street level.
Use switch-controlled outlets that allow power to be turned on only when needed.
Secure alleyway outlets that are easily accessible from public areas.
These small adjustments can help reduce trespassing and ensure that outlets are only used by authorized individuals.
Community Awareness
Situations like this highlight the importance of balancing property safety with compassionate resource awareness. When possible, directing individuals to locations like the Oasis Day Center, can help meet immediate needs while keeping private properties secure.
If you notice ongoing issues with exterior outlets or trespassing related to charging devices, consider taking steps to secure your outlets and notify local community teams so they can help address the situation.
Working together helps maintain a safe and respectful environment for businesses, residents, and visitors throughout our district.
If you have questions, concerns, or would like assistance with safety recommendations for your property, please contact Chase at chase@nwccpdx.org.
