California homeless war explodes as fast-food restaurant deploys aggressive defense system

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An apparent effort to deter homeless people from loitering outside a Jack in the Box restaurant in San Diego by spraying them with water has backfired — as sprinklers installed on the building continue to drench customers without warning.

The sprinklers on the eatery in downtown’s C Street start raining down water while a recorded announcement plays targeting unwanted lingerers.

A reporter for ABC 10 said he noticed the downpour and recorded announcement being used to discourage people from hanging out for too long at the fast-food restaurant.

The 25-second announcement begins with: “Attention loiters.”

The recording then sends a message about the drive-thru to those who are near the building:

“You are blocking the drive-thru … Buy something or bounce. The clown is watching … Move. Now. Jack says so,” the announcement blares.

The clown likely refers to the fast-food chain’s original mascot, Jack.

Residents in the area told ABC 10 that homeless people oftentimes gather around the restaurant.

The sprinklers activated sometime last week.They operate in three areas around the Jack in the Box and run in intervals of several minutes between rounds, ABC 10 reported.

Customer Brandi James said she was sprayed last week while leaving the restaurant.

“I went in to get a breakfast sandwich. I came out and had my electric bike on the steps. There was water coming down, sprinkling all over me and my bike,” she told the outlet.

James claimed that the water ruined her bike.

“Now it’s like squeaky when I try to ride it,” she said. “It’s a harassment. It’s wrong … I’m a paying customer and spend money here every day.”

Donica McArthur, who was also near the restaurant, said she also got soaked.

“They don’t give you a warning. They don’t give you a countdown,” she told the outlet. “I could have been an older woman, a disabled person with a walker. I felt disrespected and I’m in shock … This seems inhumane.”

Jack in the Box told ABC 10 that restaurant received the feedback on the sprinklers and discontinued their use.

“Like many Jack in the Box restaurants, this location uses an audio-based device to help maintain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for guests and employees,” a spokesperson said.

“The voice recording used in this instance does not reflect Jack in the Box’s brand standards or values and was not approved by Jack in the Box. It has been immediately disabled.”

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