How secure and safe is your business’s garage? This potentially dangerous part of your business could be at risk. It can also increase liability and put customers or employees at risk. How security guards protect your vehicle in the parking lot is all about the responsibilities of guards.
The best way to protect a parking lot is to use both active and passive security measures. Mobile security services can not be ignored in Calgary. These are two crucial pieces of the puzzle.
What Is Passive Parking Lot Security?
Passive security, also known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is a security measure that does not take any action when there is activity. Some security measures, like bollards, are passive and prevent cars from entering the lot through unapproved points.
Other passive security measures can record activity but not necessarily respond to it. Although passive security is not a security strategy, it is still an important component of any security strategy. Why?
These measures are usually easier and cheaper than active options. You can force cars to go only where you want, by placing boulders or berms around your lot’s perimeter.
They are easy to set up and require little maintenance. Unmonitored security cameras are able to run 24 hours per day without the need for a full-time watchperson.
In second, passive measures have a lower impact on parking lot users than active ones. Good lighting can improve safety, but it doesn’t create extra problems for users as they move around the lot.
What Is Active Parking Lot Security?
Active security methods, in contrast to the previous, take some form of action in response. An active security system records and calls the police when someone attempts to steal cars.
Before they can raise a barrier or open a gate, employees must enter a code or fill in a card. Motion sensors are activated when someone walks past the lights.
While active security offers real-time security response, it is more expensive to maintain. These elements require more money, which includes ongoing maintenance of electronic devices as well as regular upgrades to keep up with technology advancements.
Security officers, remote camera monitoring and (foot- and vehicle) patrols all require trained personnel to fulfill their duties.
This is called “Return On Investment”, because personnel are able to respond and watch over others, as opposed to the ROI for cameras that record only.
Active security is also more easily identifiable and can have a greater impact on people who use your lot. Employees might need to show identification and/or use a keycard.
Customers will need to wait until the gates open. Both groups may be contacted by security officers as they go about their daily business.
How Can You Combine Them?
Both active and passive security play a role. Combining them will balance out the weaknesses of each one with the strengths of the other.
These might all work in conjunction. If there is no way to prevent cars from getting in at other points, an access control device can’t stop unauthorized entry. This gap is filled by passive fences.
An unmonitored camera may record cars, but it does not control real-time access. Even if the gate doesn’t recognize the car, it will record the tailgate.
You can get better security at the same price by using both passive and active measures. Live security patrols might be limited to nighttime when the risk is greater. Instead of monitoring entry points during the day, cameras and access control gates monitor them.
What Should You Do First?
All security types can be integrated to make your business more secure while still keeping within budget.
Your business needs an overall plan to maximize its effectiveness. A List Security can help you create this plan. We can all work together to improve safety and make parking lots more enjoyable for everyone.