Vehicle theft and burglaries are a significant concern in Georgia, with the state ranking sixth highest in the nation for vehicle-related thefts, as reported in 2022. In the same year, it was recorded that seven out of every 1,000 vehicles registered in Georgia were stolen, putting a strain on authorities and task forces alike. Metro areas like Atlanta have seen an alarming uptick in car thefts, from around 50 reported incidents in 2022 to 511 in 2023.
While vehicle theft affects communities across Georgia, some regions are hit harder than others. Macon-Bibb County is one example of an area shouldering an outsized burden. In 2020 alone, the metro area saw a staggering 842 reported motor vehicle thefts. When accounting for the population, that translates to an eye-popping rate of 367 thefts per 100,000 residents. To put that into perspective, the national rate for the same period sat at 246 per 100,000 people – meaning Macon-Bibb’s vehicle theft rate outpaced the norm by nearly 50%.
Georgia’s auto dealerships are finding themselves on the frontlines of the vehicle theft crisis. In Commerce, police responded when an Atlanta woman was caught in the act of stealing a vehicle right off a dealership lot. Farther south in Savannah, tragedy struck when a man was crushed to death while trying to saw off a catalytic converter – an unfortunately common target for thieves. And in Newnan, one dealership has been victimized multiple times, including the recent theft of a 2022 Wagoneer.
For dealerships and their employees, these brazen thefts create not only economic loss but a sense of violation and unease. And the incidents appear to be on the rise as thieves grow even bolder in their attempts. To protect their livelihoods, dealerships are often investing in better surveillance systems, expensive security personnel, and other deterrents.
These incidents underscore an ongoing and more persistent challenge that reflects the broader national trend of escalating vehicle thefts and burglaries.
In the above video, Stealth security professionals took notice of an individual wandering the property of an automotive dealership client in Georgia around 10:37 p.m. The suspicious activity of the individual escalated from wandering to approaching inventory vehicles, and the observing security operators activated onsite audible warning speakers.
Within minutes, the suspect was observed accessing an inventory vehicle, and Stealth’s security operators immediately contacted local police dispatch. Responding officers arrived onsite quickly, and were able to successfully locate the intruder, placing them under arrest and removing them from the property without further incident.
Live Video Monitoring: A Proactive Security Solution for Automotive Dealerships
In today’s world, automotive dealerships face a variety of security risks, from theft and vandalism to fraud and identity theft. Traditional security measures, such as passive or unmonitored security cameras, are often inadequate to protect dealerships from these threats. Live video monitoring is a proactive security solution that can help dealerships protect their property, inventory, and customers from a wide range of threats. ECAM’s live video monitoring service uses a combination of state-of-the-art analytics-based cameras and a team of highly trained security professionals to monitor dealerships in real time.
ECAM’s cameras are strategically placed throughout the dealership to provide complete coverage of all key areas, including the showroom, lot, and service lanes. The cameras are equipped with advanced analytics software that can detect suspicious activity, such as loitering, trespassing, and theft attempts as they happen.
When the cameras detect suspicious activity, they alert ECAM’s security team. ECAM’s security professionals immediately review the live video footage to assess the situation and take appropriate action. This may include activating onsite warning alarms, contacting dealership leadership and security, or calling the police.
ECAM’s live video monitoring service is a cost-effective and customizable solution that can help dealerships save up to 60% on security costs. The service is also highly effective at deterring crime and reducing crime rates.
Here are some of the benefits of live video monitoring for automotive dealerships:
- Proactive security: Live video monitoring allows dealerships to identify and respond to threats in real time, before they can cause damage or loss.
- Reduced crime rates: Studies have shown that live video monitoring can deter crime and reduce crime rates by up to 50%.
- Faster police response: When ECAM’s security team sees suspicious activity, they can immediately contact the police and provide live, up-to-the-minute details of the situation. This can lead to significantly faster police responses.
- Reduced security costs: Live video monitoring is a cost-effective alternative to traditional security measures, such as guards and passive security cameras.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your dealership is being monitored by a team of highly trained security professionals can give you peace of mind, knowing that your property, inventory, and other outdoor assets are safe.
If you’re looking for a proactive and cost-effective way to secure your automotive dealership, ECAM’s live video monitoring service is a completely customizable and effective solution, offered by North America’s leader in live video monitoring. Contact us today to speak with an automotive security specialist for a 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
