Jack in the Box restaurant uses sprinklers to deter loitering in San Diego

A Jack in the Box restaurant in downtown San Diego has installed a sprinkler system and recorded announcements intended to deter homeless individuals from loitering near the premises.

The system, which operates in three areas around the building at intervals of several minutes, uses a 25-second recorded message that addresses loiterers with phrases such as, “Attention loiters,” and “Buy something or bounce. The clown is watching... Move. Now. Jack says so.”

The measure has reportedly impacted paying customers. One customer, Brandi James, stated that the water soaked her and her electric bike, claiming the situation is “a harassment.” Other bystanders reported being drenched without warning from the automated system.