Multifamily residential community owners and operators have long been aware that their parking facilities can be a major hot spot for security concerns, and recent data only reinforces this assertion. The first half of 2023 witnessed vehicle thefts skyrocket by 33.5% in comparison to the same period in the previous year, translating to 23,974 additional vehicle thefts.
Parking garages in particular are a frequent target for thieves, and in an incident that clearly highlights this kind of issue, a parking garage at the Potawatomi Casino Hotel in Milwaukee saw the theft of fourteen vehicles in less than four weeks. It’s a concerning reality that parking garages, often perceived as safe havens for vehicles, are clearly hotspots for theft and burglary.
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) states the trajectory of vehicle theft has been on a steep rise, with a report showing that thefts averaged over 80,000 per month between January and July 2023, peaking in May with almost 88,000 reported stolen vehicles.
California topped the national charts with the highest yearly rates of vehicle theft in 2022, followed by states like Texas and Washington. As many may know, some vehicle models seem to be more prone to theft, as observed in a 20% surge in car theft in the previous year, with Dodge, Land Rover, and BMW models being among the most at-risk.
These statistics underline an urgent need for more robust measures to secure parking garages and other multifamily parking facilities as well as educate vehicle owners on safeguarding their assets against theft and burglary.
Watch below as a pair of prowlers attempted to burglarize vehicles at a California multifamily residential community parking garage before Stealth Monitoring security operators called in local police, catching them in the act.
At approximately 2:40 a.m., Stealth security professionals monitoring a California apartment community spotted some suspicious activity at the parking facility gate area. An individual in a grey hoodie was seen attempting to gain access via the pedestrian door before managing to slip through the vehicle gate. Moments later, a second individual in an aqua hoodie was seen gaining access to the facility before entering a storage room and removing an item.
Local police dispatch was immediately contacted due to the nature of the activity, and a voicemail was left with the onsite security guard to inform them of the trespassing duo. Officers responded onsite quickly and could be seen on surveillance taking the suspects into custody. The security officer was not observed on camera.
Help Protect Your Community from Theft and Trespassing with Live Video Monitoring
While many multifamily communities employ security guards to help deter criminal activity, they frequently fall short as a solution. Live video monitoring, however, has proven to be a modern, efficient alternative to traditional security guard services, with a variety of advantages over their counterparts.
- Continuous Surveillance:
Live video monitoring allows for continuous surveillance during monitoring hours, alongside 24/7 recording capabilities. Unlike security guards, who need to take breaks, cannot be everywhere at once, and are subject to issues like falling asleep, live video monitoring systems remain in continuous operation, capturing and analyzing activities in real time.
- Cost-effectiveness:
Video surveillance is a more cost-effective solution. It minimizes overhead costs that are associated with hiring, training, and maintaining a security personnel team. In addition, live video monitoring technology allows for the remote monitoring of multiple unattended sites, responding quickly to alarms and incidents without the recurring costs associated with onsite guards.
- Broad Coverage:
Stealth’s live video monitoring solutions offer broad coverage of a property, enabling a comprehensive view of your multifamily residential community’s buildings, amenities, and outdoor assets. This allows for extensive coverage that can provide detailed insight into activities occurring throughout the premises.
- Real-time Response and Deterrence:
Live video monitoring allows for real-time responses to security issues, often deterring criminal and other unwanted activities as they occur. Live video monitoring can also mean a safer response to incidents, as it doesn’t put a guard’s life in danger in response to potentially confrontational situations.
In an uncertain world, security is paramount for multifamily properties and communities. Stealth recognizes this need and is driven to provide customized protection that goes beyond the status quo.
Stealth delivers comprehensive security solutions focused on reducing risks, liability, and costs while enhancing peace of mind. Our experienced specialists take a consultative approach, carefully evaluating each property to pinpoint specific vulnerabilities. We then design an intelligent monitoring and rapid response program tailored to address those unique needs for a fraction of the price of traditional security guards.
The result can be an umbrella of safety and security for your property, residents, and assets.
Don’t leave your community’s protection to chance. Contact Stealth today for a free site evaluation and quote. Discover firsthand how our customized security and monitoring services can provide robust yet affordable peace of mind.
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
