Surging crime in commercial real estate parking garages, particularly in California, has become a troubling trend, with a significant impact on office buildings. A study by the University of Pennsylvania Professor David S. Abrams indicated that personal property crime has decreased, but commercial property crime has risen, with commercial property burglaries increasing by almost 40% on average across various cities, including Los Angeles. The persistent shift to remote work has left some commercial buildings and their parking facilities more vulnerable, and the absence of visible security measures like cameras increases the likelihood of criminal activity. The presence of a few workers or managers in the office can also escalate risks if a trespasser is unaware that the building is occupied.
Parking lots, by design, can attract criminal elements- and they are the third most common place where crimes happen, with 1 in 10 property crimes occurring in these areas. Annually, 2 million crimes happen in parking lots, leading to approximately $6 billion in property loss. Vehicle theft is particularly problematic, with the FBI noting a car is stolen every 32 seconds, and parking facilities present a higher risk for this type of crime compared to street parking.
Theft from vehicles is another common crime in parking lots, often due to cars being left unlocked or valuables being visible, and criminals may target parking lots expecting cars to be left unattended for extended periods. The design of parking lots, often with poor security, also enables ‘smash and grab’ thefts.
Hit-and-runs are also a major concern in parking lots, with nearly 70% of these incidents involving parked cars. Owners may not always be liable for damage, but frequent occurrences can damage the reputation of the parking facility. Negligence may be claimed if the owner fails to take reasonable steps to secure the parking garage against criminal conduct or to warn of potential hazards.
All of this data highlights the need for improved security measures to protect these vulnerable areas. Fortunately for the property managers of the California office building in the video below, they had implemented Stealth’s live video monitoring- watch what happened when a suspicious individual gained access to their parking facilities long after working hours.
At approximately 12:41 a.m., Stealth security professionals observed a suspicious individual loitering in the area of a California office building’s courtyard before accessing the parking garage. Audible alarms were immediately activated, and local police dispatch was contacted with pertinent details due to the nature of the activity being observed. Monitoring operators could see responding officers arrive on the scene quickly, and an arrest was confirmed off-camera thanks to follow-up communication with dispatchers- all within 20 minutes.
Keeping Your Property and Tenants Safe with Live Video Monitoring
As a property owner, ensuring a secure environment for your tenants, their clients, and vehicles is a top priority. But traditional security cameras that passively record offer limited protection. Their footage can be difficult to access and may fail to clearly capture suspects.
On-site security guards provide another option, but high costs and human limitations like inattention and limited viewpoints reduce their effectiveness.
That’s why Stealth’s proactive live video monitoring is the smarter solution. Our customized systems allow real-time monitoring and rapid response to suspicious activities as they occur. Highly trained professionals observe your property and can sound alarms to deter trespassers. If needed, they can quickly contact law enforcement with detailed, up-to-the-minute descriptions that enable a faster and more effective response.
Compared to traditional measures, our technology and expertise provide enhanced security while saving 25-60% on costs. Tenants enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is actively monitored by trained professionals dedicated to helping prevent crime and reduce liability exposures.
Take your property protection to the next level with our intelligent live video surveillance. Contact us today to learn more about keeping your investment and tenants safe with proactive monitoring. Our innovative systems provide affordable, reliable security that traditional measures just can’t match.
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
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