In 2023, there was a notable rise in vehicle thefts and burglaries both in the state of Mississippi and nationwide. According to a Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ) report published in July of 2023, the trend of increasing vehicle thefts rose an alarming 33.5% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This surge represented an additional 23,974 vehicle thefts in the cities that reported data. Comparatively, this rate was 104.3% higher than the first half of 2019, a year before the COVID-19 pandemic. The significant rise in motor vehicle thefts and burglaries highlights an ongoing issue across the country and should stay top of mind for property owners and managers within the multifamily residential industry. These trends can have a significant impact on their properties, as parking lots or garages at multifamily communities make appealing targets for vehicle thieves, burglars, and “car-hoppers” alike.
In Mississippi, the situation mirrored the national trend. Motor vehicle theft was identified as the third most common property crime in the United States. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reported over 936,000 vehicle thefts in 2021, marking a 27% increase since 2019. This rise in vehicle thefts and carjackings in Mississippi and nationwide has prompted a call for immediate action from law enforcement and policymakers.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released a report showing that nearly 500,000 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide in the first half of 2023. This marked an increase of more than two percent compared to the first half of 2022. Illinois, New York, and Ohio were among the states with the most significant increases in vehicle thefts during this period. The NICB’s analysis of data from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) revealed that vehicle thefts exceeded 80,000 per month on average, peaking in May with 87,993 vehicles reported stolen.
With this data in mind, having a proactive security solution at your multifamily residential property can mean the difference between unchecked vehicle burglaries and/or thefts, and intervention that can help deter or disperse bad actors in real time. Take a look at the video below to see how Stealth’s live video monitoring solution helped catch a vehicle burglar in the act.
At roughly 8:30 p.m., Stealth security professionals monitoring a Mississippi multifamily residential community took note of some unusual activity, observing a vehicle with an open trunk and an individual who appeared to be accessing another vehicle. The onsite security officer was contacted and made aware of the situation, and local police dispatch contacted due to the nature of the activity being observed. Responding officers arrived onsite and made contact with the individual before appearing to take them safely into custody without further incident.
Help Deter and Disperse Criminal Activity in Your Parking Facilities with Proactive Security
As we have seen hundreds of times, from California to Ontario, Pennsylvania to Texas, Florida to Connecticut, and across other parts of the US and Canada- multifamily parking facilities are a frequent target for criminals seeking vehicles to burglarize, strip parts from, or steal entirely. Secure garages can be accessed. Fences hopped. Gates bypassed with sneaky methods.
For multifamily residential communities, ensuring comprehensive security necessitates a forward-thinking, proactive strategy. Traditional methods, like on-site security personnel, can serve as a fundamental layer of protection but often fall short due to budgetary and manpower limitations, leaving gaps that could be exploited by opportunistic offenders. The unique layouts and unique security needs of individual multifamily communities demand a more sophisticated, robust solution to effectively protect residents, their homes, and valuable assets.
This is where Stealth’s pioneering live video monitoring solution comes in. Our approach harnesses the power of strategically placed cameras, equipped with advanced analytics, to provide effective surveillance over your property. This includes key areas such as mailrooms, parking structures, pools, and other communal amenities, helping to ensure no corner is left unguarded.
Our system goes beyond traditional reactive security measures. Our team of trained monitoring professionals is adept at identifying suspicious activities in real-time, allowing for real-time intervention. This proactive approach is augmented by audible on-site warnings and direct coordination with law enforcement agencies, which can lead to prompt disruption of any untoward activities and swift response times, as can be seen in the video above.
At the core of our service is the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology and insightful human vigilance. This combination addresses common challenges such as coverage gaps and visibility issues. Our skilled security teams, bolstered by the latest in surveillance technology, can provide a level of proactive safeguarding that surpasses what any individual guard could offer.
Our approach not only helps keep properties a step ahead of potential threats but can also significantly reduce liability risks and associated costs.
In the realm of comprehensive security for your community, embracing a proactive stance is not just a choice but a wise investment. Contact us and our multifamily residential security experts today. Discover more about our live video monitoring services and receive your free quote now.
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
