In the first half of 2023, there was an alarming surge in car thefts. The number of motor vehicles stolen was 33.5% higher than the first half of 2022, according to a report from the Council on Criminal Justice. That puts auto theft this year at 104% higher than in the first half of 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, what is behind this spike in motor vehicles being stolen? Thieves are using new tactics and becoming brazen, especially when it comes to stealing catalytic converters. But the latest contributing factor is chalked up to a recent TikTok trend that shows users how to hotwire Kia and Hyundai cars and challenges them to do it. This particular car theft is becoming such a problem that several major auto insurance carriers are dropping coverage for these vehicles because the cars are too easy to break into and steal, reports Digital Insurance. But whether cars are being taken because of a viral social media trend or not, it’s important to solidify security at your business.
Reinforce Your Security Strategy
Car rental lots, dealerships, auto auctions, and long-term parking lots are all subject to this troubling crime trend. With such a stark spike in motor vehicle thefts, the inventory these businesses possess is a prime target for criminals. The level of security needed on-site must be enough to defeat the ability of bad actors to haul off property that doesn’t belong to them.
Establishing a strong boundary, like secure fencing, around your business is a great start but it needs to be reinforced, as it’s often not enough to keep criminals out. Even record-and-store surveillance cameras won’t provide top-notch security. A layered security strategy is the strongest. Here are a few layers we recommend adding to solidify your defenses:
Machine Learning Video Analysis
Identify, evaluate, and escalate threats automatically with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). AI can quickly analyze enormous amounts of information on multiple video streams identifying suspicious activity when you can’t be watching.
Audio & Visual Deterrents
Audio and visual deterrents are triggered to let intruders know they have been spotted. Loud voice recordings warn them authorities will be alerted. In fact, with Pro-Vigil’s deterrence features, trespassers leave empty-handed 97% of the time and without doing damage to your property. In the rare instance that they remain on the premises, local law enforcement is notified.
Remote Video Monitoring (RVM)
High-tech cameras, advanced software, and live video monitoring done by a team of virtual security guards provide continuous coverage and prevents theft before it occurs – or stops it in real time.
Top-Notch Protection
Fences alone are not enough. Security cameras alone aren’t enough. At Pro-Vigil, we take a collaborative approach to combine multiple security features to proactively combat and mitigate crime at your business and keep vehicles out of thieves’ reach.
Incorporate RVM today to stop criminals from driving away with valuable inventory or causing damage to your facility. In less than two minutes RVM can help identify a threat, verify it, and notify proper authorities if necessary. Contact us to learn more.
