5 Parking Lot Security Tips

Security and parking facilities go hand in hand. Although lots may seem benign, the FBI reports that more than 6% of all violent crime takes place in a parking lot or garage. For property crimes like theft and vandalism, that number rises to roughly 10%. With these figures in mind, it’s clear that parking lot security needs to be a top priority for business owners.

These simple security measures will go a long way toward keeping your property, your employees, and your customers safe.

1. Keep Your Lot Well Lit

Whether you have a parking garage or an open lot, installing adequate lighting is a great way to deter criminals. But don’t stop at the lot itself. Be sure to illuminate your whole property, including stairwells and alleyways.

People are drawn to poorly lit areas when they want to commit a crime like moths to the light. So a few well-placed bulbs can make a world of difference.

2. Install Security Cameras

Video surveillance systems are one of the best ways to deter criminals. They also provide law enforcement with some of the best evidence for identifying any ne’er-do-wells whom the cameras don’t scare away. As a result, cameras dramatically increase the chances of recovering any property stolen from your lot.

Security camera installation companies, like SMG Security, design custom IP and CCTV camera systems that keep a watchful eye on your property. We’ll make sure every inch of your parking areas gets coverage. And we can even install cameras to pick up the license plate number of any vehicles entering or exiting the property.

3. Add Panic Buttons or Emergency Phones

By installing a panic button or emergency phones in your lot, you make it clear to criminals that they aren’t alone. Their mere presence makes your lot safer. And, in the event of an emergency, these security tools give victims a clear way to get immediate help.

4. Hire Security Guards

If a criminal sees security personnel actively patrolling your lot, they’ll think twice before targeting your business. However, a lone guard is no replacement for a complete security system. But with proper lighting, cameras, alarm systems, and a guard to monitor them, you will dramatically reduce your exposure to crime.

We recognize that not every business can afford to hire round-the-clock security for their parking lot. But for businesses with large lots filled with expensive merchandise, guards are essential. Auto dealership security systems, for example, should always have a guard to monitor cameras and periodically patrol the lot.

5. Protect Your Lot with Access Control Systems

Access control systems are one of the best ways to keep your parking lot safe. Of course, these systems are only effective for lots that are walled off from the public. So if you have an open lot, you’ll need to install a fence or some other kind of barrier to keep people out.

With a barrier in place, access control systems make it easy for authorized personnel to enter and exit your lot whenever necessary. And as the business owner, you can see who entered the lot, when they did, and when they exited. Plus, you can easily manage permissions for any employee to provide or restrict access to secure areas.

SMG Security specializes in installing systems for access control in Chicago and the surrounding areas. So give us a call if you want to improve the security of your parking lot or your business as a whole.

These 5 simple parking lot security tips can prevent your facilities from falling victim to those will ill-intent. If you need help designing, installing, or monitoring an effective security system in or around Chicago, give us a call. As one of the leading security companies in the area, we know what it takes to keep you safe. Call us today at 847-593-0999 for a free estimate.