It’s become a common sight at Florida dealerships and those across North America- a person wanders onto the property, presumably to admire some of the vehicles after hours, only to begin pulling on door handles and attempting to access inventory.
In this Arrest of the Month video, our responsive, engaged remote monitoring team responded quickly when they spotted suspicious activity on live surveillance: a vehicle break-in in progress.
At roughly a quarter to midnight, live video monitoring professionals observing a Florida auto dealership spotted an individual on the property approaching a vehicle. The person entered a gray Jeep via the rear door. Onsite audible alarms were activated, but the intruder remained in the vehicle. Local police dispatchers were also contacted immediately, and monitoring staff stayed in contact with them, helping to guide the responding officers to the suspect’s location. Police arrived minutes later and arrested the suspect without incident.
Florida Auto Dealerships Facing Increased Vehicle Thefts and Break-ins
For the past few years, like much of the US, Florida has experienced a surge in vehicle thefts targeting both individual owners and auto dealerships. From sophisticated operations that often involve organized crime rings employing advanced technologies and elaborate schemes to steal high-end vehicles, to simple run-of-the-mill vandals pulling on vehicle door handles- the issue has become a focus for dealerships of all sizes.
One major recent case in September of 2024 centered around two brothers who led a group responsible for stealing nearly $2.5 million in vehicles from multiple Florida dealerships across 11 counties. The thieves used key-fob programmers to create new keys after breaking into the cars, targeting popular luxury models like Dodge Chargers, Chevrolet Corvettes, and Jeep Trailhawks. The stolen vehicles were then moved to storage units for resale or dismantling for parts. Authorities arrested the brothers and their associates, charging them with multiple crimes including grand theft auto and conspiracy.
This case, among many others, underscores a troubling trend of organized and technologically adept criminals targeting Florida auto dealerships. The use of advanced tools, like key-fob programmers and other sophisticated technological methods, poses significant challenges to law enforcement and the automotive industry. In response, authorities are intensifying efforts to combat these thefts, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures and greater vigilance within the industry itself to protect assets and prevent future incidents. We go deeper in depth with insights from vehicle thieves themselves here:
Vehicle Theft 2025- Insights and Challenges from Insiders
Strengthen Your Dealership’s Security with Proactive Live Video Monitoring
Auto dealerships face distinct security challenges, from protecting high-value inventory to maintaining a welcoming environment for customers. Traditional security measures- like passive, unmonitored cameras or alarms often fall short, reacting only after incidents occur. Live video monitoring and surveillance changes the game- offering real-time crime deterrence and rapid intervention to keep your dealership secure.
Our AI-enabled live video monitoring and surveillance system combines intelligent video analytics with professional remote monitoring and client-centered customer service- a proactive and accessible approach to dealership security. With our dealership security solutions you can:
- Detect suspicious activity in real time before it escalates
- Assess potential threats to determine appropriate responses
- Intervene remotely to stop criminal activity before losses occur
- Provide law enforcement with live updates for faster and more effective response
By merging technology with human expertise, our live monitoring service helps prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access- and offers an unmatched value and ROI while delivering superior protection.
Don’t wait for a security breach to take action. Contact our automotive security specialists today for a free consultation and discover how live video monitoring can safeguard your dealership in real time.
