In recent years, Southern California has witnessed an alarming surge in vehicle burglaries and auto thefts. This uptick is part of a broader national trend, with the Insurance Information Institute reporting a significant increase in motor vehicle thefts that began in 2020 due in large part to the strain of the pandemic which has only continued to rise.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau, (NICB) reported over a million vehicles stolen in 2022, which was a 7% increase from 2021, and surpassing the 1 million mark for the first time since 2008. Multifamily residential communities make a particularly appealing target for thieves, thanks in large part to the ease of access to vehicles, the value of goods often left inside, and the rapid market for stolen vehicle parts.
The Los Angeles Police Department reports that thieves are targeting both affluent neighborhoods and middle-class communities, capitalizing on opportunities presented by unlocked cars and visible valuables. According to the LAPD’s Auto Theft Awareness information, in the City of Los Angeles, approximately 30,000 vehicles are stolen annually.
The situation was exacerbated by the pandemic, with changes in routine or more cars being left unattended, providing expanded opportunities for opportunistic criminals. The LAPD’s information further revealed that car thefts and burglaries occur with greater frequency where large groups of cars are parked for extended periods- places like shopping centers, colleges, sporting events, and large apartment complexes being examples.
To combat the rising trend, Southern California law enforcement agencies have amplified their efforts through public awareness campaigns, encouraging residents to take preventive measures such as locking vehicles, not leaving valuables in plain sight, and installing anti-theft systems, but despite these efforts, the persistence of vehicle-related crimes highlights the need for continuous community vigilance and enhanced security measures.
In the above video, Stealth security operators observed an individual accessing the property at a Southern California apartment community at approximately 2:30 in the morning. That same individual proceeded to attempt accessing multiple vehicles on site, leading observing monitoring operators to immediately activate onsite audible alarms. Local police dispatch was also contacted due to the nature of the activity being observed. Stealth’s team then contacted the onsite guard as well to make them aware of the suspect and their behavior. The security officer was then seen patrolling the area as responding police officers arrived and appeared to take the individual into custody.
Proactive Security Measures Like Live Video Monitoring Help Deter and Resolve Vehicle Crimes on Your Property
It’s not only Southern California that is experiencing a surge in vehicle thefts and burglaries. Across the United States and Canada, from the east to the west coast and everywhere in between, thieves continue to target lots and garages seeking catalytic converters, pulling on door handles, and generally creating a sense of unease for residents and onsite staff alike as they search for items to steal.
And while many multifamily communities utilize an onsite security guard or courtesy patrol to deter thieves and criminals, this solution proves inadequate for many. According to Stealth client Shawnee Tharp, Vice President for Trammell Crow Residential, “The reality is a security guard is really just there to observe and report. If they can’t see what’s going on all over the property, they’re really not that effective, and they can be very expensive.”
In contrast, ECAM’s live video monitoring presents a proactive alternative, employing an advanced blend of video analytics technology alongside our team of extensively trained security operators to oversee critical zones across your property in real time. This system isn’t triggered by simple motion; instead, its sophisticated analytics-based cameras respond to actual activities. Stealth’s security experts excel in identifying behavior that’s potentially problematic or unauthorized, empowering them to respond in an instant to any anomalies. This could involve activating onsite warning systems or, when necessary, reaching out to local law enforcement.
Audible alarms frequently succeed in deterring intruders or loiterers. However, in more serious instances where police involvement is advisable, ECAM’s capacity to supply live, accurate incident details and descriptions to dispatchers generally result in higher priority dispatch calls, potentially leading to more rapid police response times.
Interested in learning more about how this affordable, tailored solution could enhance security in your residential community, reduce premises liability, and possibly cut your security expenses by up to 60%? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation with a specialist in multifamily residential security and receive your free quote.
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
