Unusual after-hours activity on auto dealership properties is a frequent cause for concern for owners and operators of these businesses- and considering steadily climbing vehicle theft and burglary activity, a reliable security solution is vital.
At approximately 12:45 am, Stealth security monitoring operators observing a Virgina auto dealership client spotted a dark sedan entering the property and parking. Closer monitoring of the activity revealed no observable reason for the sedan, and its occupant, to be on the site. Observing security staff contacted local law enforcement dispatchers to report a trespassing concern, and responding officers can be seen on cameras arriving shortly after, making contact with the individual in the dark sedan. Officers detained the individual after it was revealed that they had multiple prior open warrants and took them into custody without further incident.
The rise in auto thefts from dealerships, residences, and public spaces across the United States that began to show alarming trends during 2022-2023 has been a significant concern, highlighting an ongoing challenge in crime prevention and law enforcement efforts. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), the United States experienced near-record levels of vehicle thefts in 2023, with nearly 500,000 vehicles reported stolen in the first half of the year alone. This marked an increase of more than two percent compared to the first half of 2022. The states of Illinois, New York, and Ohio saw the largest increases in vehicle thefts, with Illinois leading at a 38 percent increase over the previous year.
The surge in vehicle thefts is not a new trend but part of a worrying escalation observed over recent years. In 2022, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen across the country, representing a 7% increase from 2021 and marking the highest number of vehicle thefts since 2008. The states of California, Texas, and Illinois were among those with the most significant increases, with Illinois experiencing a 35% rise in vehicle thefts from 2021 to 2022.
The NICB has emphasized the importance of taking preventative measures to deter vehicle theft, including never leaving keys or key fobs in the car, locking doors, rolling up windows, and never leaving valuables in plain sight. Of course, dealerships are well aware of these needed protocols in managing their inventory, but with so many vehicles and employees handling an array of both inventory and service clients- there are bound to be mistakes that may slip through the cracks, and doors left unlocked.
Criminals will take advantage of these opportunities when they find them and create access of their own when searching for open doors fails. In Goshen, Ohio a dealership was recently targeted by brazen thieves who smashed windows to gain access to keys inside the building and stole two high-performance sports cars. In another startling incident, an ‘organized’ group of teenagers targeted a Waukesha, Wisconsin luxury dealership, and stole eight inventory vehicles and one customer car.
Help Intervene in Security Events in Real Time with Live Video Monitoring
In this climate of escalating vehicle theft, the urgency for auto dealerships to embrace thorough and advanced security strategies cannot be overstated. These measures are pivotal not only for helping to thwart criminal endeavors but also for averting a spectrum of unwanted occurrences within dealership bounds.
Navigating the balance between stringent security and maintaining an inviting, navigable space for clients, especially post-business hours when many clients chose to browse, poses a significant challenge. Here, Stealth’s live video monitoring presents an innovative solution. Merging cutting-edge video analytics with the expertise of remote security personnel, ECAM’s solution is adept at addressing the myriad of security challenges auto dealerships face. It can serve as a deterrent against theft, break-ins, trespassing, vandalism, and unauthorized entry, while also helping to mitigate liability risks in service areas.
Stealth stands out by not only offering surveillance but also providing effective, remote security management. Customizing camera configurations enables comprehensive coverage of your premises, emphasizing critical and otherwise unmonitored zones. This methodology can boost visibility, affording a more thorough overview of the dealership’s security landscape. Our dedicated remote security team remains on alert for any atypical or unwelcome activity, poised to respond promptly— through triggering onsite alarms or contacting local law enforcement for rapid intervention.
A notable benefit of Stealth’s service is its cost efficiency. The proactive monitoring system is designed to safeguard your property at a fraction of the cost associated with traditional security personnel, potentially reducing expenses by up to 60%. Ready to learn more? Contact us and schedule a consultation with one of our automotive dealership security specialists today to discover how our sophisticated security solutions can fortify your business.
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
