Protecting Your Parking Lot: Why Safety Matters and How to Achieve It

In 2022, Statista reported that around 15,745 robberies occurred in parking garages or parking lots across the United States. That makes these locations the third most common for such crimes. 

For property managers, especially those in charge of large commercial spaces, keeping parking lots safe is a top priority. When a parking area has a lot of crime, it can damage a company's reputation. Customers and employees may feel unsafe and not want to spend time there. This is where the right strategies and tools, such as ALPR and solar video cameras, can help.

You need the right technology, smart design, and good management. In this post, we’ll share five tips that combine high-tech tools with practical strategies to create safer parking lots.

1. Implement Controlled Access Points

One of the best ways to improve parking lot safety is by securing key areas, like entrances and exits. Controlled access points act as the first line of defense against unauthorized vehicles and potential security threats.

Getting Started:

• Setting up designated entry and exit points with physical barriers like gates or bollards. This helps control who comes in and out, making sure only authorized people and visitors can access the parking lot.
• Use keycards or RFID systems to automate the access process. This reduces human error and makes everything run more smoothly.
• Place security personnel or cameras at access points to monitor traffic and address any problems that might come up.

Why It Works:

• Restricting access lowers the chances of unauthorized entry, theft, and vandalism. 
• Controlled access points also help manage traffic flow, which reduces congestion and accidents. This helps protect both vehicles and pedestrians.

2. Enhance Lighting to Provide Peace of Mind

Proper lighting is key to parking lot safety. Well-lit areas can help make employees and customers feel safer when visiting your business during evening hours.

Getting Started:

• Install bright, even lighting throughout the parking lot. Focus on high-traffic areas, entrances, exits, and pathways for pedestrians.
• Regularly check and maintain the lighting to avoid dark spots that criminals could use to hide.
• Use motion-activated lights in less busy areas to discourage intruders and draw attention to any unusual activity.

Why It Works:

• By providing better lighting, you're also providing peace of mind for employees and visitors. It will also help drivers and pedestrians see better, which lowers the risk of accidents.

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3. Set Up Essential Monitoring with ALPR Cameras

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) systems, like Flock Safety Falcon®, do more than traditional cameras. They give real-time data and detailed records of vehicle movements. ALPR cameras capture important vehicle information, such as color, make, type, and any changes. This data helps your security team identify and catch criminals more easily.

Getting Started:

• Place ALPR cameras at key entry and exit points to create a virtual fence around your parking lot. This allows your security team to automatically monitor vehicle movements.
• Use ALPR data to make hot lists of vehicles that might be at risk. You’ll get real-time alerts if a known offender enters your parking lot, so your security team can act right away.
• Connect ALPR systems with other security tools such as controlled access points and solar video cameras. By layering multiple tools, you'll have a more complete picture if an incident occurs.

Why It Works:

• ALPR systems make your security stronger by giving accurate, real-time data. They alert security when known offenders are on the property. This helps with incident investigations and is especially useful for large commercial areas.
  

4. Use Solar-Powered Security Cameras for Situational Awareness

Solar-powered security cameras, like the Flock Safety Condor™, offer a flexible way to monitor parking lots. This is especially beneficial in places where regular power sources are hard to find.

Getting Started:

• Place solar-powered cameras in key spots around the parking lot. Blind spots or areas with heavy foot traffic are ideal locations for this.
• Pick cameras with high resolution and night vision to make sure you get clear footage 24/7.

Why It Works:

• Solar-powered cameras provide flexibility, ensuring your entire lot is covered. This is especially helpful in areas that do not have access to a power source.
• Flock Safety Condor™ cameras work well with Flock’s other crime-solving tools. They provide real-time alerts for things like people in restricted areas at certain times, helping security respond quickly.
  

5. Use Clear Signage and Traffic Flow Management

Clear signs and well-planned traffic flow are crucial for keeping parking lots safe. They help guide drivers and pedestrians, making sure everyone moves safely. This not only protects employees and customers but also keeps traffic predictable, which prevents blind spots.

Getting Started:

• Use clearly marked signs to direct drivers, set speed limits, and show where pedestrians should walk. Consider implementing lighting to ensure these signs are easy to see, even at night.
• Design traffic flow to avoid congestion and lower the chance of accidents. Consider using one-way lanes, roundabouts, or special areas for rideshare drop-offs.
• Place signs and lights indicating that security systems are in place. This can discourage criminals from targeting your property.

Why It Works:

• Good signage and traffic management reduce accidents and make the parking lot safer for everyone. They help create a more organized and secure environment.
  

Paving the Way to a Secure Parking Lot

Making a parking lot safer takes more than just adding security tools. It requires a complete approach, including smart design, controlled access, advanced monitoring, and clear communication.

Take some time to evaluate your parking lot and see where you can make improvements. Even small changes can make a difference in safety. With the right strategies and tools in place, you can build a safer environment for employees and visitors alike.

And remember, keeping your parking lot safe is an ongoing job. By continually improving it, you can better protect your community as new challenges and technologies appear.

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