In April 2024, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) issued a new report about vehicle thefts in America. No surprises here…it was another record-breaking year in 2023, with more than a million vehicles reported as stolen.
As usual, parking lots remain a hot spot for criminal activity, with car thefts and thefts from cars topping the list of offenses.
Why do the numbers continue to surge? One reason is bad actors are getting more and more sophisticated, using keyless entry hacks and other methods to get past modern vehicles’ security systems.
But there’s another reason for the uptick, and it’s happening in parking areas nationwide: property owners and managers’ methods used to enhance vehicle theft prevention are either insufficient or antiquated (or both).
Many Security Measures to Reduce Parking Lot Theft Leave a Lot to Be Desired
Every property owner is responsible for providing a reasonable level of parking lot security in their facilities to reduce parking lot thefts. Unfortunately, “reasonable level” often translates to little more than adequate lighting and signs reminding visitors to lock their vehicles.
Some property owners will add store-bought video surveillance systems, which can be effective as deterrents for vehicle break-ins – or at least give a criminal pause when they see the cameras set up.
But there are limits to legacy surveillance camera effectiveness; while they record vehicles being broken into or stolen, they do nothing to prevent the crime from occurring.
They provide “after the fact evidence,” which is only useful if the criminal is caught and prosecuted.
Two Cost-Effective Security Systems
Cost considerations are a key factor for commercial property owners and managers when it comes to protecting their lots. Many believe optimal protection means hiring security guard services. But that can get pricey in a hurry, especially in larger lots where more than one officer would be required. And if round-the-clock surveillance is needed. This could total hundreds of thousands a year!
Fortunately, there are affordable security options available that are highly effective:
Recommendation 1: Live, Remote Monitoring Solutions
Remote video surveillance combines high-tech equipment and A.I.-enabled cameras plus a command center staffed with highly trained analysts and dispatchers. Eyes are constantly on your property, recording and responding to events in real-time, using lights, alarms and voice downs to prevent criminal activity. And when necessary, agents can alert law enforcement, who will prioritize the event as an incident in progress and respond rapidly.
Live remote monitoring can either be implemented as a permanent system or as a mobile solution, which offers great flexibility, allowing you to relocate to any area of your lot that becomes more susceptible to vehicle threats.
Recommendation 2: A Blended Approach
Some companies, like Titan, offer blended services. This “best of both worlds” approach combines 24/7 live remote monitoring plus an on-site presence for less than half the cost of full-time security guard and security patrol service options. This approach allows you to set the hours and the services needed, giving you the security you require at a price you can afford.
Get your free security consultation.
At Titan, we understand vehicle thefts in your parking area can come at a high price, from litigation to reputation damage. We also understand how costly protecting a lot can be! That’s why we take time to work with our clients to understand their security needs and tailor a plan that is both affordable and effective.
Do you have a parking area (or any other outdoor or indoor property) in need of protection? Just fill out the form below and click submit and a Titan sales team member will get back to you shortly!
