How to Use CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) Cameras for Effective Parking Lot Security?

As per Transparency Market Research, the global CCTV camera market is expected to expand at a robust 12.7% CAGR between 2017 and 2025 to become worth US$23.32 bn by 2025. When securing business premises, parking lot security is just as important as securing the rest of the site. This is because it usually involves easy entry and exit and people carrying valuable items at all times during business hours.

This blog post provides insight and helps you understand parking lot safety, the different types of security cameras available for parking lots, and the benefits of investing in CCTV Surveillance cameras.

According to research, one car is stolen every six minutes in Canada. In 2022, the number of stolen cars nearly doubled in Ontario and Quebec, rose by a third in Alberta, and increased by 20% in Atlantic Canada. The Greater Toronto Area alone saw a 300% surge in vehicle theft from 2015 to now. Moreover, after going through busy roads and traffic jams, drivers usually let their guard down and stop paying attention to their surroundings, which results in over 50,000 accidents a year in parking lots.

Parking lots are also the target of crimes such as theft, vandalism, assault, and even murder. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 1 in 10 property crimes and 1 in 14 violent crimes occur in parking lots or garages. One of the most effective ways to prevent parking lot crimes and improve employee safety is to install security CCTV cameras. A study by the Urban Institute found that CCTV surveillance cameras reduced parking lot crime by up to 51%.

As a parking lot owner, you are responsible for the safety of your employees, customers, and their belongings. However, parking in any public place always involves risks. To reduce these risks, you need to install CCTV cameras in your parking lots to prevent theft and vandalism.

Here is how CCTV surveillance cameras for parking lots can help operations managers maintain security and safety:

Implementing CCTV cameras in your parking lot reduces the risk of theft, vandalism, assault, etc. They act as a deterrent because signage and visible security cameras show that the site is under surveillance and the chance of getting caught is greater.

Parking lot security systems provide evidence in case of a crime. Security cameras can help recognize faces, record how the crime went down, and record license plates if a car was involved. Law enforcement and insurance companies can use this data for their due diligence and investigation of the incident.

Security systems, specifically cameras, can help prevent accidents in dangerous areas. This improves customer safety because monitoring those areas can help remove hazards and prevent injuries. They can also help comply with workplace safety regulations to avoid criminal and civil liability.

Having a CCTV Surveillance system helps enforce parking rules, which not only improves the efficiency of your parking lot but also ensures driver and pedestrian safety. Proper signage and instructions can also help in this regard.

Insurance premiums are higher for more accident-prone business sites or ones that have seen more instances of crime. CCTV systems can help comply with insurance company’s standards and can also help lower premiums since the business is seen to be taking steps to secure their site better.

Security cameras are one of the most effective tools for preventing and deterring parking lot crimes. Network or IP cameras for parking lot security are necessary for a robust and secure system.

Here are some of the best cameras for effective parking lot security:

Bullet cameras can be mounted on a wall or pole. Their visible and sturdy design can deter vandalism. They can also zoom in and focus on a specific area or object. IP Bullet cameras like the Avigilon H5A and the Axis Q17 Series offer AI video analytics, built-in IR for low-light conditions, and a rugged design for outdoor usage.

IP PTZ cameras cover a large area and multiple angles. They can also be controlled remotely or automatically to follow a preset pattern or track a moving object. Infrared capability ensures coverage around the clock, even in the dark.

IP Camera models by Avigilon, like the H5A IR PTZ camera, are good options for securing parking lots. They offer built-in IR capability and a rugged design ideal for outdoor use. Similar models by Axis Communications, like the Q86 Series, offer thermal imaging and a weather-proof design for coverage in all conditions.

LPR cameras capture and recognize license plates of vehicles entering and exiting the parking lot. They can also store and compare the license plate data with a database or a blacklist, alerting the authorities of any suspicious or wanted vehicles.

IP bullet cameras like the Axis Communications P14 Series offer optimized IR and high resolution, making them ideal for use as license plate recognition cameras. Similarly, IP bullet cameras from Avigilon, like the H5A series, offer advanced video analytics features, which, paired with OCR software, make them ideal LPR cameras for parking lot security.

Choosing the best cameras for parking lot security involves considering several features to make sure that they provide effective surveillance and increase overall safety of your parking lot.

Here are some features that you should look for when choosing a CCTV for your parking lot:

• High-quality cameras with high-resolution capabilities capture clear and detailed images, making it easier to identify individuals, vehicles, and license plates, from a distance.
• Good low-light or night vision capabilities are essential for 24/7 surveillance, ensuring the cameras can capture usable footage even in low-lighting conditions.
• Wide-angle lenses or panoramic views enable cameras to cover larger areas in the parking lot, reducing the number of cameras needed and providing comprehensive surveillance.
• Sufficient storage capacity is essential to retain footage appropriately, comply with legal requirements, and aid in investigations.
• Ensuring that the cameras and their usage align with privacy regulations and guidelines is essential to avoid legal issues.
• CCTV cameras should be compatible with other security systems, such as alarms and access control, to enhance overall security and provide a seamless response to security events.
• Some CCTV cameras have built-in analytics, which can assist security operators with detecting and identifying potential issues using artificial intelligence.
  CCTV cameras with motion detection and alert features can automatically notify security personnel or operations managers of suspicious activity.

To make sure your parking lot is safe with remote video monitoring first, place the cameras in smart spots like where cars come in and go out, near payment machines, and in busy areas. This way, you can see everything important. Ensure the cameras are set up so they don’t miss any spots and can see the parking lot clearly. Also, consider the lighting conditions because the cameras must work well during the day and at night. Adding more lights can help the cameras see better if it’s too dark.

Parking lot security in Canada is a significant issue. With such many crimes happening in parking lots, it is crucial to implement a robust security system to prevent them. Spotter Security offers parking lot security system design, security camera installation, and maintenance.

With over 20 years of experience in the security industry and expertise from securing businesses across various industries, Spotter Security knows the challenges you face and how to solve them. Contact Spotter Security for a consultation on improving your parking lot security.