Vehicle and vehicle parts theft is a growing problem for auto businesses, especially those with large inventories. Whether it’s a dealership, auto auction, storage facility, or car rental lot, the risk is always there. And the threat is big. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)) over 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2023. That’s a 25% increase from the previous year.
Thieves are getting smarter and targeting not just vehicles, but also valuable parts like catalytic converters, wheels, and airbags. With this surge in thefts, businesses need to enhance their security game to help protect their valuable assets.
The Rising Threat at Dealerships
Dealerships are vulnerable to theft due to the high value of their inventory. Thieves often target dealerships at night when the lot is closed, and staff is not present. They may steal the whole vehicle or strip it of valuable parts that can be sold on the black market. This can result in big financial loss, disruption to business operations, and potential reputational damage.
Recently purchased vehicles that have not yet been shipped and are sitting in the inventory are particularly vulnerable to crime, theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. These high-value assets are often stored in open lots or less secure areas making them an easy target for criminals. Without proper security measures, dealerships could suffer financial loss, damage to their reputation, and increased insurance costs.
Auto Auctions: A Prime Target
Auto auctions are another goldmine for thieves. They often have hundreds of vehicles on site which make it hard to keep an eye on each one. The size of the lots and the high volume of vehicles being sold create an environment where theft can go undetected.
Over 9 million vehicles are sold through auctions each year. These auctions can be vastly different in size, number of employees, acreage, services offered, layout of the facility, services offered, and volume of vehicles. Some may have just a few lanes, while others have 25 or more.
Thieves may target specific vehicles or parts that are in high demand, like luxury or rare parts. These could cost the auction houses and their clients. As an example, four suspects in Louisiana reportedly took three vehicles from an auto auction business.
Auto Storage Facilities Under Siege
Auto storage facilities are under siege because of the value of the vehicles stored and their remote locations. These facilities hold a large number of vehicles which can make them a target for thieves who want to steal entire cars or valuable parts.
The size of the facilities makes it hard to monitor every corner, and minimal staffing during off hours makes it even more vulnerable. Fences and locks may not be enough to deter determined criminals who can breach these defenses and get away with stolen goods before authorities can respond. Auto storage facilities must have a comprehensive security plan to help protect their assets.
Car Rental Lots Security Challenges
Car rental lots face numerous security challenges mainly due to the volume of vehicles and the constant movement of cars in and out of the facility. These lots are more prone to theft because vehicles are parked close to each other making it easy for thieves to go undetected.
The transient nature of the rental business means keys are being exchanged frequently and vehicles are left unattended for short periods of time. This makes them more prone to theft or vandalism.
Rental lots are often located near airports or in urban areas with high traffic which makes it hard to maintain strict access control. Securing these lots requires a combination of physical barriers, a key management system, and advanced surveillance technologies to monitor activity and help deter criminal behavior.
How Remote Video Monitoring Can Help
To combat the growing threat of vehicle and parts theft, many auto-related businesses are turning to remote video monitoring as a proactive solution. Remote video monitoring uses a combination of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and trained security professionals to monitor surveillance cameras in real time to help spot suspicious activity and take immediate action.
Remote video monitoring is a proactive solution that has many advantages over traditional security solutions which tend to be reactive, meaning they only respond after an incident has taken place. When the technology in the cameras picks up unusual behavior, it can alert a member of the trained security staff who can jump in to quickly assess the situation. They can issue a warning to the intruders over a speaker to leave the premises, and if the circumstances warrant, they can call to dispatch local authorities.
The system is typically 25-60% more cost-effective than traditional security solutions. So, auto dealerships, auto auctions, storage facilities, and car lots can minimize loss while helping ensure smooth business operations.
To learn more about proactive ways to help protect your business, pick up this free guide, “9 Simple Steps to Secure Your Lot.” If you would like to get information about remote video monitoring and its many benefits, contact us.
