As an auto dealership owner or manager, you may have noticed a cyclical pattern in your security issues. The incidence can rise or fall depending on the season or even the day of the week.

Researchers have discovered another factor that can increase the security risk your business faces. According to the University of Pennsylvania, crime, specifically assaults, increase by almost three percent after daylight savings time ends. The one-hour fallback happens in November, just as nights are starting to get noticeably longer. Low lighting is a criminal’s best friend, and as the amount of daylight decreases in the fall, there’s more time to commit crimes under the cover of darkness.

With so much high-value inventory on display, an auto sales lot has very specific security concerns.

Common Threats to Car Dealership Security

Theft: This may be the most obvious risk, but it can occur in more than one form. An entire vehicle, or even worse, several vehicles, may be taken off the lot. Your service area could also be targeted for tools and parts. You would have to manage not only the cost of the part replacement but also the cost of downtime and delayed repairs. This type of theft could affect your ability to provide your customers with promised services.

Vandalism: Some people just get a kick out of smashing glass or spray-painting property. Your vehicles or your buildings could be targeted. This damage causes losses similar to part theft costs.

Information Breach: Your finance department collects lots of personal and financial information, and you’re responsible for keeping it safe. While some processes are paperless and data is stored digitally, the laws governing auto sales usually require some hard-copy documents as well. Former employees can pose a particular threat because they know your storage procedures.

Tips to Minimize Auto Dealership Risks

Lights: A well-lit lot is far more secure than a dark one. Lights act as a deterrent to criminals who are looking for an easy mark. LED and motion sensor lights can help keep energy costs down.

Cameras: No thief or vandal wants to be identified and possibly caught. Prominently placed cameras let intruders know to avoid your lot.

Storage – Key Fobs and Plates: License plates can temporarily conceal the fact that a car is stolen and having access to keys makes theft easy. Former employees can use their insider knowledge to obtain these items, so you must take precautions to prevent losses.

Entrance: An entry point that can’t be seen from the street is a soft spot in your security. Secure any other entrances with barriers that are hard to defeat.

Your Best Security Solution

A truly effective security solution must understand the needs of your industry and your specific business. The best security company knows that while each dealership has similar concerns, your dealership is unique.

We are EyeQ Monitoring, one of the largest companies specializing in live remote video monitoring. We’ve become the fastest-growing company in the industry by focusing on quality and developing expertise in many different industries.

Our service begins with the installation of state-of-the-art video surveillance equipment in the best configuration for your property. Our trained live agents then keep a watchful eye over your lot and inventory. We even maintain your video equipment as part of our service.

Other benefits of our service include:

• 75% Cheaper than One On-Site Guard
• 24/7 Real-Time U.S.-Based Site Monitoring
• 10x Faster Response than the Competition
• Insurance Discount for Monitored Security

At EyeQ Monitoring, we’re committed to passion, integrity and excellence. If you would like more information about our customized live video monitoring solutions to protect your property, please contact us.