In the auto dealership industry, where lots are open, inventory is spread out, and valuable assets are often left outside overnight, dealerships face unique security challenges. With Guardian Protection’s new remote video monitoring offering, Protective Video Surveillance, advanced surveillance technology combines with live agent intervention to help detect and stop threats before crimes can happen.
What is Proactive Video Surveillance?
Unlike standard camera systems that simply record what happens on-site, Guardian Protection’s Proactive Video Surveillance uses smart security cameras that can detect suspicious activity and respond in real time. Traditional camera surveillance often leaves businesses reviewing footage after a break-in or vandalism has already occurred. Proactive monitoring is designed to stop these incidents before they happen.
With Proactive Video Surveillance, these risks are significantly reduced. If someone jumps a fence, lingers near vehicles after hours, or attempts to steal equipment or parts, smart security cameras detect the behavior instantly. An AI-scripted response can be deployed, or a trained monitoring specialist can intervene in the moment using live talk-down warnings. These warnings are often enough to send intruders running before any damage is done. This protects inventory, avoids insurance claims, and maintains a safe, secure property.
See How Proactive Video Surveillance Works
How Proactive Video Surveillance Shields Auto Dealerships from Crime
Proactive VIdeo Surveillance is especially valuable in the auto dealership industry. Issues like unauthorized overnight parking, trespassing, loitering, theft, or property damage can be costly and disruptive if not addressed quickly. See below how this feature can bring some peace of mind to auto dealerships:
Keeps an Eye on Inventory Around the Clock
According to the FBI, thousands of vehicles and car parts are stolen from dealerships each year. That number doesn’t include costly after-hours vandalism. Dealership lots are especially vulnerable at night when expensive new models sit outside, sometimes unlocked for display. Fortuantely, cameras backed by Proactive Video Surveillance don’t stop working when you close for the evening.
With Proactive Video Surveillance, dealerships gain continuous monitoring across all outdoor areas. This includes display lots, service bays, storage lots, and customer parking. Smart analytics can detect motion at any hour in specified areas. These cameras can also differentiate between normal movement (like an animal or passing car) and suspicious activity (such as someone entering the lot at an odd hour on foot). This can not only help protect against theft, but also vandalism or loitering.
Helps to Prevent Auto Parts Theft
Service stores and collision repair shops are another common target. Thieves frequently break in to steal tools, tires, batteries, and other equipment left overnight. Proactive Video Surveillance ensures these sites are covered, and issues deterrents to help stop these thefts before they happen.
Advanced systems can detect activity near service bay doors, fence lines, and loading docks. When paired with remote guard response from a safety specialist, nearby authorities can be dispatched immediately if live specialists confirm a verified threat, saving thousands in potential losses. Protecting these parts can make a significant difference for your business and save thousands of dollars.
Provides Unique Scripted Messaging
Different situations call for different responses. With Proactive Video Surveillance, this can be done in real time through adjustable, scripted warnings. These deterrents will activate the moment suspicious activity is detected. A scripted response can be customized depending on the hour or circumstances. For example, you can have a scripted response to tell visitors that they are being monitored if they are looking at cars after hours in the lot, while also using a different warning to deter them if they get too close to the building late at night.
In addition, trained security specialists can use a two-way talk-down when your camera indicates that there is suspicious activity that needs to be handled while you’re not there. These protection specialists can directly address the individual, letting them know they’re being monitored and that authorities can be dispatched.
Installed Professionally for Maximum Protection
To ensure maximum safety and efficiency with your system, the best Proactive Video Surveillance systems are professionally installed just like traditional CCTV, ensuring optimal camera placement. During installation, security specialists assess the property to identify vulnerable or high-risk areas. These can include entrances, loading docks, or poorly lit exterior spaces. These specialists will then strategically position smart cameras to provide maximum coverage. Once in place, the system can be calibrated and trained to recognize and respond to specific behaviors, improving detection accuracy and strengthening overall protection.
Building a Smarter Security Strategy
For dealerships, Proactive Video Surveillance is more than a crime deterrent; it’s a way to streamline security operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer confidence. Combined with intrusion detection and professional monitoring, it provides a full-circle approach to safety that keeps both inventory and people protected.
As dealerships continue to embrace advanced technology across their business operations, upgrading to Proactive Video Surveillance isn’t just smart security; it’s smart business.
Interested in Proactive Video Surveillance for your auto dealership? Give us a call at 1.800.PROTECT (1.800.776.8328) to schedule a free demo.