It’s no secret that vehicle theft- from lots, garages, street parking, businesses, and more- has reached alarming levels in recent years. Unfortunately, that means auto dealerships are not immune from this trend– many dealerships have seen a rash of break-ins, thefts, and significant damages and losses as a result. In Hayward, California, thieves broke into a dealership and stole $100,000 worth of vehicle inventory. In Whitman, Massachusetts, a single dealership was robbed twice in one night, and in South Windsor, Connecticut, four vehicles totaling nearly $380,000 in value were stolen from the garage of the main building at a dealership after thieves rammed a gate to gain access.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that nearly 500,000 vehicles were stolen nationwide, indicating a continuation of near-record levels of vehicle thefts in the U.S. This trend has been escalating since the start of the pandemic. By the end of 2022, vehicle thefts had increased by 67.5% compared to 2019, as noted by the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ).
The first half of 2023 alone saw a significant surge in auto thefts. The CCJ reported that car thefts were 33.5% higher during this period than in the same period in 2022, examining crime in 37 U.S. cities. Furthermore, the increase in vehicle thefts is not limited to specific regions but is a widespread issue.
The escalation in vehicle thefts is not only notable in comparison to the previous year but also when viewed in the context of the last few years. The number of vehicle thefts from January to June 2023 was a staggering 104.3% higher than in the first half of 2019, the year before the pandemic and associated social unrest.
A disturbing uptick in vehicle thefts from auto dealership lots is sounding alarm bells for owners and operators. This emerging pattern calls for heightened security protocols and diligent oversight of dealership facilities. The recent surge in burglaries and vehicles driven off the lot illegally presents a pressing concern for players both large and small across the industry.
Implementing more effective and proactive security systems can go a long way toward securing dealer inventory. Watch what happened when a determined intruder made multiple attempts to burglarize a Texas auto dealership, unaware of Stealth’s trained security professionals monitoring their every move.
At approximately 11:00 p.m., Stealth security professionals observing a Texas auto dealership spotted a male intruder walking onto the site, attempting to make forced entry into the building, and then pulling on the handles of multiple vehicles. Onsite audible warnings were immediately sounded, and local police dispatch was contacted due to the nature of the activity being observed. Seconds later, the intruder attempted climbing onto the building roof.
As responding officers arrived onsite, the intruder took off running, hopping a perimeter fence and heading for an off-lot neighboring residential area. Officers pursued the suspect, and a follow up call with police dispatchers confirmed the intruder was located and placed under arrest a few blocks away.
Embrace Proactive Security Measures, and Help Shield Your Outdoor Assets from Theft and Criminal Threats
In the dynamic automotive industry, safeguarding your outdoor assets and property from theft and other criminal activity is a paramount concern. While theft has long been a persistent challenge for dealerships, the recent surge in vehicle thefts across North America underscores the urgency of implementing comprehensive security measures.
The pandemic’s impact on consumer behavior, including increased reliance on online car purchases, has inadvertently created opportunities for opportunistic thieves. Dealerships, with their sprawling outdoor lots and high-value inventories, are prime targets.
While gates and guards can provide a baseline level of protection, they often prove insufficient to stop determined thieves. That’s why innovative solutions like Stealth Monitoring’s live video monitoring system are so valuable. Using cutting-edge analytics and highly trained personnel, our technology allows for real-time detection and response to suspicious activity onsite. Skillful operators can sound alarms, contact onsite security, or alert law enforcement – enabling dramatically faster response times compared to traditional security measures.
By leveraging technology and human insight in tandem, dealerships can help thwart would-be criminals in their tracks. And with potential savings of up to 60% on security costs, this system provides shrewd financial protection as well. For automotive dealers interested in safeguarding their inventory against theft, it’s time to explore smarter security. Contact Stealth Monitoring today to connect with an industry specialist and receive a customized quote showcasing these solution benefits for your business.
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
