How does an auto dealership encourage customers to come in while sending a message to thieves to stay out?
At 1:32 a.m., a Stealth security operator spotted an individual at a Colorado car dealership walking in between multiple cars, pulling on their door handles. One car was unlocked, so he entered it.
Still watching the suspect, our operator contacted local police. Officers arrived at the dealership minutes later. They located the trespasser and placed him under arrest.
Auto Dealership Security Challenges
Despite well-lit lots, auto dealerships are still susceptible to crime. What other businesses do you know that have millions of dollars of inventory sitting out in the open? This leaves them vulnerable to damage, break-ins, trespassing and inventory theft.
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, there were nearly 750,000 motor vehicle thefts in 2018. A recent CNN article claims there has been a rise in stolen cars in some U.S. cities since the start of the pandemic in March.
Many dealerships have amped up their security solutions by improving lighting, equipping inventory with GPS technology and locking up keys and fobs. Yet crime and liability issues are still a problem.
Just look at these recent examples:
- Police are investigating a break-in at a Wyoming auto dealership
- Five cars were stolen from a showroom in Missouri
Help Protect Your Business with Live Video Monitoring
There’s an effective way to help deter crime, mitigate liability and save money on security costs. Live video monitoring incorporates advanced technology with human intelligence to spot crimes in progress.
Analytics-based cameras alert a trained security operator when something unusual is detected, like someone walking around a car dealership in the middle of the night. The operator can assess the situation and respond accordingly. When police receive a call from Stealth, they know we are watching a live crime, so they will typically elevate the priority level, which can mean faster response times.
Unlike security guards and mobile patrols who can only be in one place at a time, video surveillance cameras can watch multiple areas simultaneously…and for up to 60% less cost.
Owning or managing a car dealership can be challenging. Your security solution shouldn’t be. For more information about live video monitoring for your business, contact us.
