Employees and patrons need to feel safe when going to and from their car in a parking lot or structure. Especially during evening hours, the risk to safety is all too real. According to Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 11 percent of all property crimes and 7 percent of violent crimes occur in parking lots or garages. Crimes range from minor property theft to violent assault.

Proper Lighting

Poor lighting invites crime. Properly lit parking lots and garages reduces the dark spaces where criminals can hide. Well-lit parking areas cut down on the chances that thieves can break into a car without being noticed.

Adding a Physical Security Presence

Parking security guards from private guard companies such as Access Control Security can walk the space or canvass the area in well-marked cars or golf carts. An on-site guard presence not only deters crime, but guards can stop a crime in progress or quickly come to the aid of a crime victim.

Sufficient Surveillance

Security cameras can play a big role in discouraging parking lot crime. Just their presence, along with signs indicating that security cameras are in use, will help keep criminals at bay. Ideally, security staff should continuously monitor security camera footage in real time. That way, if a criminal incident is occurring, security guards can immediately respond.

Parking garages pose a greater security risk than parking lots. Consider adding emergency “call boxes” throughout the garage so visitors can alert security guard personnel if they feel in danger or have been victims of a crime.

Assist Patrons

Walking through a parking lot or structure can make many patrons feel uneasy—especially at night. As part of their service, security guards can assist patrons to their cars and stay with them until they are safely on their way.

Parking Enforcement

Especially during the holiday season or when patrons enter or exit a sporting or entertainment event, security guards can maintain traffic flow, assist in the case of accidents or when a vehicle becomes inoperable.