Collision Center Theft: How to Protect Vehicles from Growing Threats

Concerned about your car getting stolen while it’s in the shop? Collision center theft is a growing problem that car owners, collision center owners, and auto shop owners need to be aware of. This article will explain why thefts at collision repair centers are on the rise and what you can do to protect vehicles.

Key Takeaways

• Collision center theft is driven by online marketplaces and high demand for parts.
• Poor security at collision centers (bad lighting and fencing) makes them an easy target, so you need to invest in physical security and advanced surveillance.
• Working with local law enforcement and having incident reporting protocols in place are key to minimizing theft impact and vehicle recovery at collision centers.

Why Collision Center Theft is on the Rise

 

Collision center theft is getting out of control and it’s causing chaos in the industry. In 2023, the US saw a 1% increase in claims related to auto theft or vandalism. This is part of a bigger trend of auto theft. More than one million vehicles were stolen in 2022 which was the highest since 2008.

Several reasons for this include the ease of selling stolen parts online and the high demand for items like catalytic converters. The pandemic has also played a role, with supply chain delays and staffing shortages, leaving collision centers more vulnerable.

Collision Center Theft Stats

Catalytic converter thefts have increased since 2020. While there has been a decline in catalytic converter thefts, they are still at risk of being stolen due to the precious metals contained inside.

Older vehicles are stolen more often than newer ones. They are easier to break into because they are less likely to have anti-theft devices and cameras. The most commonly stolen items and parts are:

• Electronic devices
• Radios and speakers
• GPS devices
• Rims and tires
• Catalytic converters
• Truck tailgates
• Airbags

And the most stolen vehicle? Full-size pickups, making up 25% of reported thefts in 2022.

These numbers are part of a bigger problem in the collision industry. The financial impact on collision centers and body shops is huge, not just for the business, but for their customers too, who could see higher insurance premiums and longer wait times to get their vehicles repaired.

Collision Center Vulnerabilities

Collision repair centers are not typically secure enough, which makes them an easy target. Many don’t have a security system, not enough lighting, and poor fencing. With customers’ vehicles and parts worth so much in these centers, security is a must.

A big reason why collision centers are a thief’s paradise is online marketplaces where stolen parts can be sold quickly. These vulnerabilities put customer vehicles at risk and can impact the entire collision repair industry’s reputation and financial stability.

Outdoor Storage Lot Security Gaps

Overnight storage lots at collision centers are the most vulnerable to theft because of a lack of lighting and poor fencing. Poor surveillance and visibility surveillance create dark areas thieves love. Motion-sensor lighting can scare off potential thieves by eliminating those dark areas around the property.

Physical security measures like high-quality fencing and strong locks are also important. Thieves can breach fencing and locks, so it’s important to invest in strong physical barriers for storage lots. Improving fencing and lighting can help deter unauthorized access and theft.

Online Selling Platforms

Online selling platforms give thieves a quick and anonymous way to dump stolen vehicle parts. These platforms have a big audience and anonymity that makes it easier for thieves to avoid getting caught while selling stolen goods. Listings on these platforms turn over so fast it’s hard for law enforcement to identify and recover stolen items. This makes the impact of theft worse for collision centers and body shops.

How to Protect Customer Vehicles

Protecting customer vehicles at body shops requires a combination of technology and physical security. With AI and advanced technology emerging, body shops can improve diagnostics, security, and real-time monitoring.

Investment in automated surveillance and monitoring systems can help increase the protection of customer vehicles. Let’s look at specific strategies such as advanced surveillance systems, physical security, and working with local authorities.

Advanced Surveillance Systems

Mobile surveillance cameras and AI-backed remote video monitoring are the keys to securing collision centers and body shops. These are instant and flexible solutions for real-time theft and suspicious activity monitoring.

ECAM’s solutions have been successful at detecting and deterring crime in real time for businesses across North America. Trained security professionals, combined with AI and advanced analytics, monitor live surveillance cameras to help catch crimes in progress. They can activate audio warnings and call local authorities. Installing these advanced surveillance systems can help reduce theft and secure collision centers.

Physical Security Measures

Physical security like high-end locks, strong fencing, and surveillance cameras in key locations can help deter break-ins at collision centers. Thieves can cut through fencing and break locks, so strong physical barriers and access control systems are a must.

Putting cameras in key locations can monitor and record entrances and areas of interest to give visibility on suspicious activity from a distance. These measures can help reduce theft and protect customer vehicles at collision centers.

Working with Local Authorities

Building relationships with local police can help them understand the crime patterns that hit your collision center. Regular meetings with police can keep everyone up to date on local crime trends to help improve security. Working with local authorities is key to helping protect customer vehicles and reducing theft at collision centers.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Collision Center Theft

Real-world examples of theft at collision centers show the vulnerabilities and need for better security. These case studies will show you how thieves work and why you need to protect customer vehicles.

Baltimore Body Shop Crime Spree

Five high-end vehicles were stolen from a Baltimore body shop. The suspects slipped under a bay door, raised it, and drove the vehicles out of the garage.

A Stolen Hyundai Tucson

A Colorado man took his 2020 Hyundai Tucson to an auto repair shop to fix damages after the vehicle had been stolen and then recovered. While at the body shop, the vehicle was stolen…again.

The theft caused big insurance headaches and shows how the impact theft can have on the victim and the body shop.

These investigations show major weaknesses in security and the need to improve surveillance and physical security. This is a reminder to have good security protocols to protect customer vehicles and prevent future thefts that can impact a collision center’s bottom line and reputation.

Collision Center Security Trends

Thefts at collision centers and body shops are on the rise and it’s a big problem for business owners and customers. Real-world examples like the Baltimore body shop and the stolen Hyundai Tucson show the need to have security protocols in place.

Using new technologies like remote video monitoring can help enhance security in collision repair facilities. Collision centers need to stay ahead of the game and invest in strong protective systems to help keep customer vehicles safe from theft and maintain a strong reputation.

If you would like more information about how Stealth’s remote video monitoring solution can help safeguard your collision center, body shop, or automotive business, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions