Parking Lot Security Technology
Did you know that parking lots are especially vulnerable to crimes like theft and vandalism? Busy, open spaces pose unique challenges to security that can’t be solved with a simple CCTV camera.
Parking lot security technology is evolving at a rapid pace, but more advancements are required to fully secure these vulnerable spaces. By incorporating modern trends in advanced monitoring, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and more, parking lot security can achieve a greater level of success.
Current Technology Used in Parking Lot Security
Every parking lot security system begins with a few basic requirements. Parking lots are the perfect stomping grounds for opportunistic criminals because, due to their function, people leave their parking space—along with their car and valuables—behind. As a result, the first requirement is that a parking lot needs to be monitored.
Sometimes, the simplest technology can make the biggest difference. If no other measures are taken, a parking lot must at least be well lit. Criminals work best in the shadows, and meeting lighting standards can deter crime. In addition, proper lighting allows video surveillance to function better. Lighting is also important to prevent accidents as drivers navigate tight spaces.
Beyond monitoring and lighting, parking lots need good design and regular maintenance as a basic requirement for safety. This includes clear signage, directional indicators, and speed limits. When potholes and other damage appear, they need repair right away. In addition, workers need to clear parking lots of debris, snow, and other hazards, like stray shopping carts, regularly.
The Most Common Security Systems in Parking Lots
“Smile! You’re on camera!” Everyone has seen the warning signs that point out the most used method of parking lot security. Video surveillance is often the starting point for security systems. Cameras can capture and prevent crime in real time or aid in investigations by means of recordings. Security companies may monitor feeds remotely using AI or live professionals.
Infrared sensors are another common technology found in parking lot security systems. They can identify unauthorized vehicles, count cars, and keep track of empty spaces. Sensors ensure that parking lots don’t go over capacity and also aid in automatically opening the gates in protected parking lots and garages. Some types of smart sensors can even recognize license plates.
In addition, parking management often employs security personnel to monitor parking lots and garages. While these officers cannot use force to prevent or stop a crime in progress, they can gather information and report crimes faster than in an unattended parking lot. They can also make sure only approved visitors have access to the parking area.
Their presence alone can even reduce crime. A study from the University of Cambridge’s criminology department shows that security guards do act as a crime deterrent and also increase the detection of crimes. The study also reports that private security can reduce theft by 22 percent and other crimes by 31 percent.
Parking garages utilize ticketed gates as well as cameras and security officers. Similarly, airport parking uses locked gates and constant monitoring to protect vehicles that remain there long term. Some parking lots even use hedges or other landscaping methods to create a barrier between criminals and their potential targets.
Other advanced technology often used in parking lots includes vehicle number tracking and sound detection alarms.
Why Security Measures Matter
Parking lot security protects much more than parked cars. It ensures safety for both customers and employees. According to crime data collected by the FBI, over forty-five thousand violent crimes took place in parking lots and garages in 2020. A violent crime occurs when victims are harmed by or threatened with violence. Parking lot security is an issue that goes far beyond property crimes—It is essential for keeping people safe.
Still, property matters too! In 2018, the FBI reported losses of about $16.4 billion as a result of property crimes like burglary, larceny, and vehicle theft. While property crimes are on a downward trend, advanced parking lot security can bring these numbers down even more.
In addition, measures like security cameras are useful when it comes to accidents. Monitored cameras can make it faster to report incidents in situations where speed matters. A recording can also help to quickly resolve liability claims.
In summary, parking lot security is an effective means of crime prevention and emergency preparedness. It keeps property and people safer in all kinds of dangerous situations. Plus, it offers peace of mind to customers, residents, and employees alike.
Challenges Faced by Parking Lot Security Technology
Parking lots are especially difficult to secure because they are wide, open spaces that can be hard to monitor completely, even with an advanced surveillance system. In addition, parking lots are constantly in flux. With hundreds of people moving in and out of spaces all day, any parking facility could struggle to keep up with security.
Another reason behind the challenge of securing parking lots is the lack of controlled access. Parking lots are mostly public spaces. There is no way to distinguish between a customer looking for their vehicle and a criminal scoping out their target.
Finally, parking lots can be difficult to keep safe because traffic laws are not enforceable in lots and garages. This leads to more reckless or distracted driving, which results in accidents.
The Biggest Vulnerabilities in Parking Lot Security
Parking lots can have serious design flaws that make them more vulnerable to crime. For example, a parking garage is often full of narrow, dark spaces. One burned-out light bulb can give criminals the opportunity to get away with vandalism, theft, and even kidnapping. Stairwells are particularly dangerous; they can be huge blind spots in video surveillance systems.
In open commercial parking lots, landscaping can provide similar opportunities to criminals. Bushes, trees, and shrubs can give them hiding places. Some cart returns may provide cover as well.
Beyond design flaws and poor lighting, even current security systems can fail to protect a parking lot. People can avoid or damage fixed CCTV cameras, rendering them useless. While visible video surveillance can deter some crime, the best security systems need to use a blended approach that incorporates different methods of surveillance to be effective.
Navigating the Challenges
Navigating the challenges of parking lot security begins with implementing new methods and technology. Surveillance is the most effective tool against parking lot crime, but sometimes even multiple camera platforms are not enough. Engineers continue to work hard to create advanced, specialized security systems for parking lots.
For instance, if criminals can easily damage or avoid fixed cameras, security experts suggest using moving cameras. Meanwhile, cameras installed in cars provide a new method of surveillance that criminals can’t avoid—or even detect.
Creative solutions like this coupled with advanced technology break down the major issues in parking lot security.
Latest Trends in Parking Lot Security
Advancements in surveillance and blockchain technology are driving trends in parking lot security. These improvements allow faster and more complete problem-solving when it comes to the security issues that parking lots encounter.
Another driving force in security is public concern. People care about their personal safety and want to know that businesses are taking action to protect them. Because of this, many companies are focusing their efforts toward improving security in parking lots and beyond.
Accidents and Crime in Parking Lots
Property crimes take place in parking lots every day. These include theft, burglary, and vandalism. In fact, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that vehicle theft and break-ins have been on the rise since 2020. Catalytic converter thefts alone skyrocketed from 108 per month in 2018 to over 1,000 in 2020.
Many parking lot accidents are a result of human error. For example, the National Safety Council reports that up to 66 percent of drivers navigate parking lots while distracted. In addition, backup incidents account for up to 9 percent of pedestrian deaths in parking lots. Still, safety protocols, from signage to lighting and proper monitoring, can reduce these numbers by promoting environmental awareness.
Goals of Modern Parking Lot Security Technology
Modern parking lot security technology always focuses on solving the current issues and creating a safer environment. For example, in China, cars require active dashcams connected to the internet. There, criminals’ avoiding or damaging fixed surveillance cameras no longer poses a big threat. The dashcams create a much broader surveillance picture and can’t be easily damaged.
In countries where dashcams are not required for insurance, security professionals reach the goal of safer parking lots through other means. Currently, the industry is focusing on implementing smart technologies and intelligent video analytics. These could patch the holes in current security systems by limiting human access to parked cars or better identifying threats.
Emerging Parking Lot Security, Safety, and Surveillance Solutions
Smart parking systems rely on advancements in robotics. For instance, automated parking lifts and robotic valets are growing in popularity. While these technologies are still new, many of them are already in use today.
Robotic systems like automated parking garages solve the issue of public access to parking lots. They work like vending machines; you drive your car up to them, and the automatic process lifts it into a shelving system. Vehicles and valuables are fully secure inside an automated parking garage because only cars can get inside.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is already a familiar part of our lives. You can see the influence of AI in almost everything, from tools as simple as your GPS to complex processes like disease mapping. It’s not surprising that AI has a huge impact in security too. Smart parking systems are already on the rise, and AI powers these advances.
AI vastly improves parking lot monitoring. It goes beyond surveillance, collecting data from security cameras and sensors to carry out tasks like opening gates and tracking occupancy. It may also be able to detect crashes.
Similarly, AI is growing stronger at automated theft detection. The Canny edge detection method identifies moving objects to recognize potential car break-ins. The system will automatically alert security personnel, who can investigate further.
Furthermore, AI can assist with license plate recognition. It can detect vehicles of interest—whether they are missing, stolen, or otherwise suspicious—in parking lots and notify security managers or authorities. Plus, it can make it simple for gated lots to refuse access to flagged vehicles.
Artificial intelligence is invaluable during an emergency as well. These systems can help emergency vehicles optimize their routes and find access to parking.
Blockchain Technology
Blockchain technology refers to a kind of shared ledger that can keep track of transactions and assets. It’s mostly used by cryptocurrencies—so how does it affect parking lot safety? Primarily, it could keep a record of empty and filled parking spaces in real time.
The major benefit of blockchain in parking lots is reducing traffic. Blockchain could allow users to check parking ahead of time and even save their spots. Without drivers browsing up and down the parking lot and vying for the best spaces, fewer accidents may occur.
Imaging and Sensor Technologies
There are a variety of advanced imaging techniques that are useful for parking lot security. For example, using RF or quantum imaging sensors can enable clear vision in low visibility conditions, such as night time or during a fire. Computer vision and other sensor technologies can enable car counting and live parking space occupancy monitoring, potentially making a facility more efficient.
Stay Up to Date on Parking Lot Security Technology
Parking lot security technology continues to advance in leaps and bounds, but vulnerabilities still exist in the most commonly used systems. To ensure the safety of vehicles and people, engineers and security designers must focus their efforts on parking lot security.
The current trends show that engineers are doing exactly that. Don’t miss out on the next big advancement—keep learning about the technology behind parking lot security! Start by finding out more about video surveillance here.
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