How to Protect Cars at Your Car Storage Facility

Michael Dorrington

In 2024, criminals stole nearly $600,000 in luxury vehicles from an auto dealership by exploiting a weak barrier and ramming the door with a vehicle. Motor vehicle theft incidents have surged since 2019, with criminals targeting everything from catalytic converters to audio systems.

As criminals become bolder in targeting vehicle storage sites, facility owners and managers must implement robust security measures. Discover how to create an ironclad defense against theft, vandalism, and damage.

Understanding the Risks to Auto Storage Facilities

Car storage facilities face numerous security threats that can result in theft, damage, liability issues, and lost business. Some pressing risks include:

Vehicle theft: In 2023, over 1 million vehicles were stolen. Thieves often target classic cars, exotics, and other high-value vehicles that fetch huge sums on the resell market.
Parts theft: Criminals see car storage lots as a one-stop shop for valuable parts. They can strip parts like infotainment systems, wheels, and tires in minutes and sell them for profit. For example, catalytic converter theft has recently increased as thieves look for precious metals to resell. These thefts can go unnoticed until the owner retrieves their vehicle, leaving the facility responsible for the loss.
Vandalism: Malicious acts such as breaking windows, keying paint, and spraying graffiti can occur at any time, especially when properties lack adequate surveillance or access control measures. Beyond repair costs, visible damage creates an unprofessional and unsafe image that erodes customer trust in the facility’s ability to protect their vehicles.
Burglary: Criminals may also burglarize storage buildings in search of valuable items other than vehicles and parts. They often target shop equipment, office electronics, petty cash, and sensitive data.

The Importance of Auto Storage Security

Investing in robust vehicle storage security measures offers significant benefits for your business, customers, and stored assets, including:

Theft and Damage Prevention

Advanced car storage security solutions, like The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence, deter criminals and stop theft attempts before they happen, as criminals are less likely to target a site that has invested in cutting-edge security measures. Implementing visible deterrents can make your facility far less appealing to potential thieves.

Additionally, adequate security measures help mitigate risks of damage to vehicles and facility infrastructure. A proactive approach to theft prevention helps car storage businesses avoid costly losses and reputational damage associated with vehicle and parts theft.

Insurance Benefits

Robust vehicle storage security can also lead to significant insurance benefits for facility owners. Many insurers offer premium discounts for sites that demonstrate a proactive approach to risk management. By implementing proven security measures, auto storage businesses can reduce the likelihood of filing theft or damage claims.

Security measures like video surveillance also make the claims process easier in the event of theft or damage. They provide adequate evidence of the incident and any preventive measures taken.

Increased Customer Trust and Loyalty

Customer trust is fundamental for business success in the vehicle storage industry. Car owners must feel confident in the facility’s safety and capabilities when storing vehicles. By investing in state-of-the-art security solutions, auto storage facilities can demonstrate their commitment to asset protection and top-notch customer service. Visible deterrents like fencing and cameras assure customers that their vehicles are protected 24/7.

Adequate security measures also help you retain satisfied customers who value vehicle safety. Customers who know their vehicles are safe are more likely to use your facilities again and recommend them to others.

Operational Efficiency

Car storage security technology offers peace of mind that the vehicles on your lot are safe. It also streamlines facility staff’s day-to-day operations by automating some security operations and providing clear access rules. Streamlined operations allow employees to focus on core business activities like sales, customer service, and property maintenance.

With remote monitoring tools, owners can keep tabs on their sites from anywhere, reducing the need for costly after-hours staffing or constant on-site patrols.

Long-Term Vehicle Preservation

Ultimately, the purpose of storing vehicles is to maintain their condition and value. Comprehensive security measures are vital to achieving this goal. Secure storage environments extend the vehicle’s operational life span by preventing theft, vandalism, and accidental damage, allowing owners to retrieve their cars in the same pristine condition they were left in.

This level of protection is especially critical for classic, exotic, or rare vehicles that may be irreplaceable.

How to Secure Your Vehicle Storage Facility

To protect the valuable cars in your storage facility, you should employ a comprehensive, multi-layered security strategy by combining physical deterrents, advanced technology, proactive monitoring, regular maintenance, and well-trained staff. Here’s how to create an impenetrable barrier against theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.

Identify Security Risks

The first step in designing an effective vehicle storage security plan is identifying your site’s vulnerabilities. Have a perimeter security expert conduct a thorough threat assessment of your property. They’ll analyze factors like perimeter weaknesses, access points, surveillance blind spots, and overgrown foliage to uncover potential entry points for criminals.

Based on their findings, they’ll recommend targeted solutions to address each vulnerability, forming the foundation of your customized security strategy.

Establish a Secure Perimeter

Robust perimeter security is your first and strongest defense against unauthorized access. Installing an electric fence is one of the most effective ways to secure your property’s boundary. The fence’s imposing height creates a formidable obstacle for would-be intruders to attempt to breach.

For those who dare to try and scale or tamper with the fence, it delivers a medically safe but memorable shock upon contact. This pulsed electric shock is a powerful deterrent against further intrusion attempts.

Utilize Video Surveillance

Deploy high-definition security cameras strategically around your perimeter and interior. Focus your surveillance coverage on entry points, high-traffic areas, and potential blind spots. Opt for cameras with advanced features like night vision, motion detection, and facial recognition.

Implement video analytics software to detect suspicious behavior, such as loitering in real time, enabling swift responses to potential threats.

Upgrade to Smart Access Control Systems

Upgrade to an innovative Gate Access Control system to ensure only authorized individuals can enter your premises. To secure buildings, replace traditional locks with electronic access solutions that allow you to manage permissions remotely.

Use unique access credentials for each customer, employee, and vendor, such as key fobs, PIN codes, or biometric scanners. Your system should also include license plate recognition for vehicle logging. Integrate your access control system with your surveillance cameras and alarms. This integration ensures that any unauthorized entry attempts trigger an immediate alert and video recording.

Install Perimeter Alarm Systems

Integrate alarms into your electric fence for additional deterrence. When triggered by an attempted intrusion, these devices emit loud, attention-grabbing sounds and flashing lights, alerting everyone nearby to the potential threat.

Strategically place alarm systems around your perimeter, focusing on entry points and vulnerable areas. The sudden and dramatic alarm activation can startle intruders, often causing them to flee before further damage occurs. It also draws immediate attention to their location, allowing law enforcement or security personnel to intercept them before they escape.

Implement Remote and Mobile Video Monitoring

For the highest level of auto storage security, incorporate remote video monitoring solutions in your video surveillance system. This technology allows you to monitor your facility from anywhere, anytime, using a desktop computer or mobile device. Key features of remote video surveillance systems include the following:

Instant alerts and live video feed when an alarm is triggered
Ability to view and save recorded footage remotely
Durable cameras with night vision and thermal capabilities
Seamless integration with your electric fencing and access control solutions

Improve Lighting

Criminals often target poorly lit areas of auto storage facilities, using the cover of darkness to conceal their activities. Identify any dimly lit or shadowed areas on your property, particularly around your perimeter, entrance points, and parking lots, as these are common spots for intruders to hide.

Upgrade your lighting with bright, energy-efficient LED fixtures that provide uniform illumination. Better lighting deters criminal activity and enhances the effectiveness of your video surveillance system by providing clearer images.

Invest in Building Intrusion Detection Systems

In addition to perimeter security, it’s crucial to protect the buildings and structures within your auto storage facility. Implement a comprehensive building intrusion detection system that includes wireless motion detectors. These detectors can identify movement inside your buildings during off-hours, alerting you to potential intruders.

Your system should also include indoor, outdoor, or overhead door contacts that trigger alerts whenever a door is opened unexpectedly. Integrate your building intrusion detection system with access control and video surveillance solutions for a seamless, unified security approach.

Enhance Your Cybersecurity

Since storing vehicles often involves the collection of personal information in digital databases, prioritizing cybersecurity is essential for securing car storage facilities. The following are important measures to consider:

Implement strong, unique passwords and enable multiple-factor authentication for all your systems.
Use encryption to protect sensitive customer data and Wi-Fi from cybercriminals.
Regularly back up your files to a secure, off-site location.
Train your employees on cybersecurity best practices and establish clear protocols for handling potential breaches or data loss incidents.
Partner with a trusted cybersecurity solutions provider to ensure your digital infrastructure is as secure as your physical space.

Prioritize Regular Maintenance and Upgrades

To ensure the continued effectiveness of your security systems, prioritize regular maintenance and timely upgrades. Invest in a perimeter security partner who provides routine maintenance and lifetime upgrades. They will ensure your electric fence, surveillance cameras, access control devices, and intrusion detection sensors continuously work as intended to prevent would-be intruders from accessing your facility.

Keep your security software and firmware up to date to protect against emerging cyber threats. Proactively maintaining your security infrastructure allows you to avoid vulnerabilities and protect your auto storage facility.

Foster a Security-Conscious Culture

Your employees are vital to maintaining the security of your vehicle storage facility. Invest in comprehensive training programs to educate your staff on security best practices, including:

Identifying and reporting suspicious activity
Using security systems properly
Responding to emergencies

Conduct regular security drills to reinforce these skills and ensure that your team is prepared to act fast in the event of a threat. Foster a culture of vigilance and encourage open communication so employees feel empowered to report security concerns or suggestions for improvement.

FAQs

Securing a car storage facility is an extensive, ever-evolving process. To help you adequately safeguard your vehicle storage operation, here are answers to some common questions:

What’s the Best Way to Prevent Auto Theft at My Storage Facility?

Combine multiple layers of deterrence for robust theft prevention. This unified approach prevents would-be intruders from even accessing your facility to commit crimes. Implement physical barriers, alarms, lighting, and surveillance. Electric fencing and video monitoring with live response are particularly effective at stopping criminals before they can access vehicles.

How Much Does It Cost to Upgrade Car Storage Security Systems?

The cost of upgrading your security systems depends on factors such as system type, when the last updates took place, and your chosen security solutions provider. Additionally, your costs may be higher if you need to upgrade multiple systems at the same time. It’s best to consult a security expert to determine your ideal solutions and their cost.

Can I Install Vehicle Storage Security Solutions Myself?

While some security components, like traditional cameras, offer a DIY setup, it’s best to work with an experienced security expert for advanced systems like electric fences, intelligent access control systems, and advanced video surveillance. Security experts will ensure all systems are installed correctly, comply with local regulations, and work together seamlessly to protect your auto storage facility.

How Often Should I Test My Security Systems?

Test your security systems at least once per quarter to verify that all components, including alarm sensors, surveillance cameras, electric fencing, and communication links, operate properly. Some insurance policies even necessitate regular security equipment tests. For ease of upkeep, opt for a security expert who provides security as a service and offers regular system testing, maintenance, and upgrades for a manageable monthly fee.

How Can I Balance Security With Accessibility for Customers and Staff?

Access control systems are the perfect solution for balancing security with accessibility. They allow effortless access for authorized personnel and customers while preventing would-be intruders from gaining easy entry to the storage facility. Additionally, designated access hours and clear signage ensure a seamless experience. Routinely review and adjust security protocols based on customer feedback to enhance convenience without compromising safety.

Protect Vehicles in Your Auto Storage Facility With AMAROK

Securing your car storage facility requires a comprehensive, multi-layered strategy that adapts to the ever-evolving threats facing your business. As a trusted leader in perimeter security solutions, AMAROK offers the expertise and cutting-edge technology to help you create an impenetrable defense against theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.

Our flagship solution, The Electric Guard Dog™ Fence, works in conjunction with tools like access control, video surveillance, and remote video monitoring to provide the ultimate perimeter security. AMAROK security experts will work with you to customize a solution that meets your facility’s unique needs.