It’s an all too familiar scene. A dark, nearly empty parking garage. A young woman walking to her car. A ski-masked stranger jumps from the shadows. As cliché as these scenes may sound, crime happens every day in parking facilities across the country. These facilities are often overlooked, leaving them vulnerable to theft, vandalism and even assaults. Parking facility security is crucial in ensuring the safety of both the vehicles and the people who use them.
The FBI notes that parking lots and garages are the third most common location of violent crimes nationwide. In 2021 some 56,413 violent crimes (homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assaults) occurred in parking facilities. Less-aggressive crimes include keying or spray-painting cars and slashing tires.
Businesses with parking facilities have long struggled to keep their customers and staff safe entering and leaving their parked vehicles. Many parking areas are open to the public so unfamiliar cars fit in well with the parked vehicles around them. Additionally, stairwells and elevators in multilevel structures are an attractive place for individuals with malicious intent.
We at Signal are committed to keeping your people and property secure and free from crime of any magnitude. We offer the following security tips to help ensure your parking facilities are up-to-date, clean and safe.
Parking facilities can attract people with criminal intent. Parked cars create hiding spaces and block the distribution of light. high walls, low ceilings and large columns promote poor sight lines that invite criminal activity. Keeping your parking spaces well-lit deters criminals and makes it easier to identify people who should not be on your property.
Complete routine checks for unlit areas. Resolve any lighting problems as soon as they happen.
Posting clear signs to direct visitors helps them know exactly where they are and how to access a building or an exit. People who wander or are lost in a parking facility are a prime target for crime.
Considering directing visitors to go directly to their car, lock the doors, start the car and leave. Discourage visitors from congregating in parking facilities as they leave. Post reminders to not leave valuables in plain sight in the car to help curtail vehicle break-ins.
Well-maintained properties deter criminal activity. Caring about the appearance and safety of your property lets criminals know you are on watch. stay proactive by picking up litter, moving, clearing out weeds and removing graffiti. Ensure parking lines are clear and not faded.
Stay a step ahead on maintenance and, if necessary, consider outsourcing the work. Scheduling routine maintenance in advance communicates your company means business about preventing crime.
In-person security patrols throughout the day and night are one of the most effective deterrents to crime in parking facilities. Signal's dedicated officers and highly visible mobile security patrols provide cost-effective security that prevents crime and instills peace of mind in your community.
At Signal, we stay proactive rather than reactive after an incident occurs. We assess your property for lighting and potential crime hot spots and allow your o customize services to best address your security concerns. As a leader in the security industry, our presence is a proven deterrent to any possible theft, vandalism or violent crimes on your property.
Employ a private security contractor for in-person patrols throughout the day or night. Consider installing video surveillance and emergency call stations.
Learn more about Signal Security and how we can help you secure your parking facility.