Exploring the effectiveness of Auto Dealership Security Guards, this article delves into traditional security measures and innovative solutions to protect dealership lots from theft and criminal activities.
A car dealership lot full of shiny, new automobiles and pristine, previously owned vehicles is bound to attract potential car buyers and increase sales. Unfortunately, it is also bound to attracts criminals if the area is not properly secured.
A study by the Council on Criminal Justice found that motor vehicle thefts are up by roughly 34% in 2023 from the same period last year. And of the 700,000 vehicles stolen each year in the U.S., roughly 40% occur at auto dealerships.
Add to that all the stolen parts and tools, from lift gates to wheel covers to catalytic converters, it’s easy to see why so many dealerships hire security officers protecting their lots. But is an on-site presence the most efficient way to stop car dealership crimes? And if not, what is?
Evaluating Auto Dealership Security Guard Options: The Pros of an On-Site Security
Even in the age of smart cameras and other high-tech equipment, a lot of businesses prefer a physical security presence. On-site security officers are a strong crime deterrent and their ability to rove the area and to offer an immediate response when necessary are all great benefits.
And for many companies, it’s just a peace-of-mind thing, knowing there’s a trained professional watching over your property and your employees.
Challenges Faced by Auto Dealership Security Guards
For car dealership owners, several factors should be taken into consideration before hiring on-site security officers:
- Space: A dealership lot can be massive, and it offers plenty of hidden areas where thieves can commit crimes unseen. It would be nearly impossible for security guard to patrol the area successfully. And multiple guards means increased…
- Costs: At Titan, we’ve talked to dealerships that have spent over $50,000 per month on live security guard services…and were still experiencing thefts. Often because of…
- The Human Factor: Other issues we heard involved inattentive guards, absenteeism and a hesitancy to perform thorough outdoor patrols in inclement weather.
Innovative Auto Dealership Security Solutions Beyond Traditional Guards
What many auto dealerships are discovering is that a blended approach, combining real-time remote monitoring services with live patrols, provides optimal 24/7 protection at a fraction of the cost. At Titan Security, for example, our blended services include:
- Live Monitoring: Using your choice of a fixed system or our mobile Virtual Guard, we watch over your lot – with 360° visibility – using AI-based cameras that can detect and identify movements and alert dispatchers to any activity that seems suspicious. Once alerted, our monitoring team can immediately respond, using lights, sirens, and talk-down capabilities to warn-off trespassers, or if necessary, alert on-site security.
- Patrol Services: Our monitoring agents are in direct radio contact with the Titan patrol vehicle in your area, which ensures a rapid on-site response. From there, our highly trained security officer will investigate the situation, and if necessary, call law enforcement.
By using a blended approach, car dealerships can experience significant cost savings. Read this customer case study to learn how Titan helped a dealership reduce their security costs by $500,000. (as this demonstrates).
Get your free security consultation.
At Titan, we’ll work with you to craft a blended plan that is tailored to meet the security needs and budgetary requirements of your dealership. To receive a free consultation, simply fill out this form, and a Titan rep will contact you shortly!
