Parking lots, those seemingly mundane spaces where vehicles find temporary respite, often harbor a multitude of criminal activities that range from minor inconveniences to serious felonies. Despite being essential components of urban infrastructure, parking lots represent fertile grounds for illicit behaviors due to their transient nature and the perceived anonymity they afford perpetrators.
Parking lot crimes are a big problem. Of course, all crimes are a problem, but businesses tend not to take steps to prevent parking lot crimes. They focus on building security and cybersecurity. The reality is that parking lots take up a lot of space and they’re filled with items that criminals want. Parking lots attract crooks because they tend to have little activity compared to other parts of a facility. Or rather, they have a constant activity that no one will notice anyone with insidious plans.
The inherent design of parking lots makes them susceptible to providing many spaces for lawbreakers to hide. If they spot someone coming, they can easily duck under a vehicle or somewhere in the lot with poor lighting. Additionally, they tend to be open to the public, which makes it harder to identify who could be a potential bad actor.
Parking lot crimes were the No. 3 location for violent crime in 2022 as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer. Parking lot crimes comprise 25% of all violent crimes according to Crime in the United States also from the FBI.
Each week, more than 600 violent parking lot crimes occur. It’s not just inside the lot where the problems are. The area between the parking lot and the building adds almost 2,000 violent crimes every week. This includes the sidewalk, alley, street, and highway. The FBI’s definition of violent crimes includes aggravated assault, rape, homicide, and robbery.
Those numbers are scary enough to convince businesses to address parking lot security. Besides, property managers and owners are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment. This can put them at risk for liability issues. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act of 1970 29 USC 654 says every employer:
- “shall furnish to each of his employees, employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees;
- “shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.”
Most parking lots are built to be reactive instead of proactive. This means the facility doesn’t address security gaps until after something bad happens. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome this and reduce the risk of parking lot crimes.
Types of Parking Lot Crimes
First, here’s a look at the types of parking lot crimes that are happening.
Vehicle theft
One of the most prevalent crimes in parking lots is vehicle theft, an act that can lead to substantial financial losses and emotional distress for victims. Opportunistic thieves capitalize on the vulnerability of unattended vehicles. They either pilfer valuables left within or take off with the entire vehicle.
The allure of parked cars lies in their perceived defenselessness, especially in densely populated urban areas where parking is a premium commodity. Vehicles left unattended for even brief intervals become prime targets for thieves. Factors such as inadequate security measures, remote locations, and poor lighting further exacerbate the risk of vehicle theft in parking lots, creating a pervasive atmosphere of insecurity among users.
Vehicle break-ins
Another prevalent form of criminal activity in parking lots is vehicle break-ins. These are often referred to as “smash-and-grabs.” In these acts, brazen thieves use brute force, typically smashing car windows, to gain access to valuables left unattended inside vehicles.
From electronic gadgets to personal belongings, anything of perceived value becomes fair game for these thieves. The temporary nature of parking lots, coupled with the anonymity they provide, makes them attractive targets for smash-and-grabs. In addition, the speed and efficiency with which these crimes can be executed make them low-risk efforts in the eyes of perpetrators.
Violent crimes
As previously mentioned, parking lots can also be arenas for violent offenses such as robberies, assaults, and abductions. The nature of parking lots with their inadequate lighting and sparse security patrols creates an environment conducive to criminal activities.
Offenders may target individuals who are alone, distracted, or returning to their vehicles during late hours. They exploit vulnerabilities to carry out their nefarious deeds. The sense of isolation and vulnerability experienced by victims in parking lots highlights the need for comprehensive security measures to help ensure their safety.
Vandalism
In addition to theft and violence, parking lots are also susceptible to acts of vandalism, which can range from minor things like graffiti to more extensive damage to vehicles and property. These malicious acts can incur financial losses for victims and also contribute to a sense of disorder and insecurity within parking facilities.
Vandalism often occurs under the cover of darkness or in secluded areas where crooks can operate without fear of detection. The frequency of vandalism in parking lots emphasizes the importance of implementing robust security measures and fostering a culture of respect and accountability among users.
Hit-and-runs
Hit-and-run incidents — where drivers collide with parked vehicles and flee the scene without providing necessary information — are another frequent occurrence in parking lots, often leaving victims to bear the burden of repair costs and insurance claims. These reckless acts can cause property damage and pose risks to the safety of pedestrians and other motorists.
Hit-and-run drivers often assume they’ll get away with it, which worsens the sense of impunity around these crimes.
How Design Principles Help Curb Parking Lot Crimes
Businesses like multifamily, commercial, and retail properties need to prioritize proactive parking lot crime prevention. This is possible to do with the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
This is a “multi-disciplinary approach of crime prevention that uses urban and architectural design and the management of built and natural environments. CPTED strategies aim to reduce victimization, deter offender decisions that precede criminal acts, and build a sense of community among inhabitants so they can gain territorial control of areas, reduce crime, and minimize fear of crime” according to CPTED’s website.
Think about it. When you go by a building with a broken window or graffiti on its walls, what impression does it have? Many will assume it’s not a safe place. Therefore, applying CPTED principles can help maximize security without sacrificing aesthetics.
The best time to apply CPTED principles is during the construction of the building and parking lot. To do it later could cost more, especially since building codes and zoning ordinances can conflict with CPTED principles.
The cost of land compels many companies to build multilevel parking structures. Unfortunately, this goes against CPTED’s recommendation of designing open single-level parking lots. Multilevel parking structures contain more hiding spaces, especially with the sloped ramps. It also makes natural surveillance difficult.
The definition of natural surveillance is people observing their surroundings. It could be security guards, residents, and people using the parking lot. Since land is a premium, most companies opt for multi-level closed parking facilities, which interfere with natural surveillance.
Adding Robust Security to Prevent Parking Lot Crimes
To combat the menace of parking lot crimes, multifaceted approaches are necessary. One of the fastest, easiest, and least expensive ways to deter parking lot crimes is parking lot lighting. It can’t do it alone, but it’s a good starting point. Lighting in parking lots requires careful design. It’s not simply adding more and brighter light bulbs. There’s a science to effective lighting design.
Furthermore, implementing robust security measures such as video surveillance with remote monitoring and access control systems serve as deterrents to potential crimes. Traditional security cameras are passive. They cannot avert crime.
Video surveillance with remote monitoring provides proactive security. This solution can spot a possible problem before anything happens. What makes remote video surveillance different is it involves video analytics and trained monitoring operators, who watch the entire property parking lot. Nothing can be hidden from the cameras.
It’s also valuable to partner with law enforcement agencies and local communities. Together, they can develop proactive strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing incidents of vehicle theft and enhancing overall safety in parking facilities.
Additionally, installing physical barriers such as bollards or security screens can create obstacles that reduce the likelihood of smash-and-grab incidents. Educating parking lot users about the importance of securing their belongings and avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight can also contribute to reducing the prevalence of vehicle break-ins.
Parking Lot Protection
Parking lots serve as a facet of urban life. Despite appearing normal on the surface, parking lots can harbor various criminal activities that can endanger the safety and security of its users. These criminal activities include vehicle theft, break-ins, vandalism, and even violent crimes. Given the complexity of these challenges, addressing parking lot security requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
By implementing robust security measures and engaging in proactive community partnerships, stakeholders can work together to create safer and more secure parking environments for all. Companies must work together to reduce parking lot crimes and ensure safety for all users of urban parking spaces.
How do you search for the right remote video surveillance technology? Choose the right video surveillance service contains a checklist of questions to ask. Begin by seeking out companies with experience in securing parking lots and businesses like yours. If you have questions, please contact us.
Texas Private Security License Number: B14187
California Alarm Operator License Number: ACO7876
Florida Alarm System Contractor I License Number: EF20001598
Tennessee Alarm Contracting Company License Number: 2294
Virginia Private Security Services Business License Number: 11-19499
Alabama Electronic Security License # 002116
Canada TSBC License: LEL0200704
