California has seen a sharp increase in vehicle thefts from auto dealerships across the state in 2022. According to data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), California was named among the top 10 states for vehicle theft, ranking sixth with 520 thefts per 100,000 residents last year. This represents a 13% increase over 2021.
A particular target for thieves has been cars sitting on dealership lots awaiting sale. In one wild theft, a man broke into a Toyota dealership in Hollywood, California, stole a vehicle and proceeded to ram through several gates and fences before leading police on a chase that eventually ended at a Lamborghini dealership in Beverly Hills. This brazen incident comes amidst a rising trend of similar dealer lot thefts, often involving coordination between multiple criminals.
Industry experts cite the growth in demand for used vehicles and parts shortages leading to limited new inventory as factors driving thieves to target dealer inventory. Newer model trucks, SUVs, and luxury cars are frequently stolen from lots and likely dismantled for lucrative parts resale on black markets domestically and overseas.
Dealerships are responding by stepping up security measures, including installing surveillance cameras, GPS tracking devices on vehicles, and hiring extra guards to patrol lots. However, law enforcement officials say auto theft has become a dangerously organized criminal industry and are calling for stronger legal deterrents as well.
In this Arrest of the Month video, Stealth’s proactive live video monitoring surveillance solution proved effective in helping to intervene in criminal activity on a California monitoring client’s dealership lot. Watch the video below to see what happened next.
At approximately 11:00 pm, Stealth security professionals monitoring a California auto dealership spotted a woman walking the perimeter of the lot before wandering in and accessing multiple vehicles, ultimately entering a white SUV. Audible alarms were activated, and local police dispatch contacted. Officers arrived on site and located the woman inside the vehicle before taking her into custody.
Enhance Your Inventory Protection with Advanced Security Strategies
Securing your inventory, safeguarding your business, and ensuring the safety of your staff from theft, criminal activities, and potential liability claims can be achieved with simplicity and efficiency. By implementing proactive security measures, you can help significantly mitigate risks associated with theft, loitering, burglary, vandalism, and other undesired activities at your dealership.
Stealth offers live video monitoring that seamlessly integrates sophisticated technology with human intelligence. This innovative approach enables continuous surveillance of critical areas on your premises, helping to spot and identify suspicious activities in real-time. Our expertly trained security personnel are equipped to issue verbal warnings through onsite speakers to trespassers, loiterers, and other unwelcome visitors after hours, effectively notifying them of active monitoring. This strategy often persuades individuals to vacate the premises immediately with no further action needed.
In instances where verbal warnings are ignored, our operators are prepared to swiftly contact local law enforcement, providing them with live updates, detailed descriptions of suspects, and specific locations. This can facilitate a quicker response from police officers, allowing them to intervene promptly and prevent potential escalation of the situation.
To explore how our customized, proactive security solutions can help enhance your property’s security while offering significant cost savings—potentially reducing your security expenses by up to 60%—contact us today. Speak directly with one of our specialized dealership security consultants to discover more about optimizing your security strategy.
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
