If you’re the owner of a car lot, it’s imperative for you to take drastic measures to make sure that your automobiles are safe from thieves. According to a recent study, $5.9 billion dollars was lost to motor vehicle theft in 2016. Many leading law enforcement officials strongly believe that this number will increase as time progresses.
Car thieves are notorious for targeting dealerships, used car lots, and automobile repair shops. They continue to come up with new ways to steal vehicles. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to deter them. We will now take a close look at ten tips that can help protect the vehicles on your lot.
1. Hi-Tech Surveillance Cameras
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that surveillance cameras work well when it comes to monitoring car lots. Thieves will think twice about trespassing on your property when they spot surveillance cameras posted around your property. If theft takes place at your lot, the surveillance cameras will capture the footage law enforcement officers need for their investigation.
2. Adequate Lighting
Adequate lighting is one simple way of keeping car thieves off your lot. Car thieves will not take the chance of being seen while attempting to steal a vehicle from your property. It’s also important to point out that adequate lighting will compliment your video surveillance system. With proper lighting in place, it will be easier for your cameras to record better video.
3. Hire a Security Officer
Hiring a security officer for the night shift is a great way of preventing theft at your lot. A security officer will walk the premises and address threats immediately. This is one advantage that a surveillance system does not offer.
Contrary to popular belief, hiring a security guard is not that expensive. You can work with a small security guard company or hire a freelance security specialist. At the end of the day, it’s worth the investment.
4. Position Automobiles Strategically
This tactic is used by many seasoned car lot owners around the country. You should surround your expensive vehicles with less expensive automobiles. For example, park your American made vehicles around your imports. This will block all the potential exits the thieves may have if they are able to gain access to one of your premium vehicles.
5. Gated Access Control
Gated access control can slow down your business during the day, but it will improve the security for your lot during the night. This is the main reason why you see so many seasoned lot owners using gated access control. A gate will make it extremely difficult for thieves to get in and out.
Gated access control will only allow your employees to enter the premises at night. If a car thief tries to climb the fence, the alarm will sound off. Law enforcement will be notified and dispatch officers to the scene.
6. Minimize Lot Entry Points
Car thieves are well-known for exploiting lot entry points. They look for points where they can sneak in undetected. You can get the upper-hand on them by using fences or strong barricades as a form of defense. This will discourage them from targeting your vehicles.
7. Maintain a Sharp Inventory System
You should know how important it is for you to keep up with your auto inventory. It’s vital for you to keep a close eye on the car keys. The following simple pointers can help you keep up with the car keys.
-One set of car keys per employee at a time will eliminate confusion.
-Keep your keys locked in a central area with access control. This will make your employees responsible for the keys they get out of the locked area.
-Make careful note of keys that are out of the system.
8. Keep the Doors Locked
There’s an old saying, “It’s the little things that count.” It may sound dumb, but keeping the doors locked will pose as an obstacle for thieves. They don’t want to break a window to get inside the vehicle.
9. Premium Anti-Theft Systems
Do your vehicles have a premium anti-theft system? If not, you should make sure that each vehicle has one. Passive alarm systems and ignition cut-off systems will get the job done.
10. Use Warning Signs
Place warning signs around your car lot. The signs should tell would-be thieves that they will be prosecuted if they trespass on your property. In many instances, warning signs will make them think twice about stealing a vehicle from your lot.
Law enforcement agencies continue to stress that car theft is on the rise. You must protect your automobile inventory at all costs. The ten tips listed above can safeguard your vehicles from amateur and professional car thieves throughout the night.