Parking Area Security

Providing security for outdoor parking areas can be a challenge. As surface lots are generally easy to access, there’s always an inherent risk of crime regardless of what security exists, however, this doesn’t relieve the owner’s responsibility of providing a reasonably safe environment. This article is intended for lot owners and managers, and not the users who have their own set of safety recommendations.?

Several steps that can be taken to improve the security of outdoor surface lots include:

• Maintain adequate lighting:?Parking lots should be well-lit to deter criminals and make it easier for security personnel or passing police patrols to monitor the area.
• Trim landscaping:?Overgrown landscaping can provide hiding spots for criminals.?Trim landscaping to keep it low and away from buildings and walkways.
• Remove obstructions:?Clear away obstructions,?such as dumpsters and parked cars,?that could block the view of security cameras.
• Install security signage:?Post signs that indicate that the parking lot is under surveillance and that trespassing is prohibited. A security program consisting of nothing more than ”Park at your own risk” signage is a recipe for liability in a lawsuit for failing to provide adequate security.

In areas where crime regularly occurs nearby, additional steps should be taken that demonstrate that you’ve recognized and addressed the need for security measures. These might include:

• Conduct a security assessment:?A security assessment can help to identify potential vulnerabilities in the parking lot's layout,?lighting,?and security procedures.
• Implement a layered security approach:?A layered security approach uses multiple security measures,?such as mobile surveillance trailers,?security personnel,?and fences or access control,?to deter and detect criminal activity.
• Partner with local law enforcement:?Management can partner with local law enforcement to develop a plan for addressing parking lot security concerns. Police are a great resource in educating you about neighborhood trends that you might not be aware of.
• For strip malls & and retail lots: Educate tenants and patrons:?Management can educate tenants and patrons about parking lot security measures and encourage them to report suspicious activity. Retail stores should make sure any cart collection teams are well marked with hi-vis vests, make frequent collections, and are trained in how to handle criminal activity they may witness. A lot full of uncollected carts tells wrongdoers that no one is paying attention. ?

Mobile surveillance trailers are a versatile and effective way to enhance security in open parking lots. They can be quickly deployed to areas of concern, providing a highly visible deterrent to criminals, and collecting valuable evidence in case of incidents. Studies conducted by Live View Technologies have shown a 70% decrease in parking lot incidents, 40% decrease in shoplifting, 43% reduction in trespass, 54% decrease in burglaries, and 15% reduction in property crimes in areas where their mobile security trailers have been utilized (1).

Mobile surveillance trailers may be equipped with a variety of features, such as:

• High-resolution pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, fixed cameras, or 360-degree cameras with night vision and thermal capabilities.
• High visibility blue/white strobes for deterrence and automated audio messages warning anyone entering a restricted zone or gets too close to the trailer.
• Robust analytics to create custom intrusion alert zones & and activate recording when a human heat signature is detected.
• Two-way audio communication to deter criminals and provide assistance.
• Solar panels for independent power supply. Backup power including 110v hookups and optional generators (gas, diesel, or green EFOY fuel cell (2)).

Benefits of Mobile Surveillance Trailers

• Visible deterrence:?Mobile surveillance trailers provide a visible deterrent to criminals,?making them less likely to target a parking lot that is using them.
• Quick deployment:?Mobile surveillance trailers can be quickly deployed to areas of concern,?such as areas where there has been a recent crime or where there is a special event taking place.
• Versatility:?Mobile surveillance trailers can be equipped with a variety of features,?such as surveillance cameras,?lighting,?and LPR technology to meet the specific needs of a parking lot.
• Cost-effectiveness:?Mobile surveillance trailers can be a cost-effective way to enhance security,?as they can be rented or leased on an as-needed basis.
• Live monitoring: Make sure your surveillance trailer comes with a live monitoring option, which can provide active investigation and intervention. A live operator can observe a situation and use talk-down speakers to directly call out to the person in view, or summon assistance from the store, a mobile security patrol, or police if necessary. Some less expensive units will only record on an internal DVR and lack a modem for remote communication.

By taking these steps, parking lot managers, retail stores, and mall owners can not only help to create a safe and secure environment for parkers, tenants, and patrons but also reduce their liability in the event an unfortunate event does occur.

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(1) https://www.lvt.com/industry/retail-security

(2) https://www.my-efoy.com/en/efoy-fuell-cells/