Nationwide, we have been witnessing a large increase in thefts at Auto Dealerships throughout the first half of 2022. In some areas of the country, we have seen up to double the amount of vehicular theft, commonly occurring at Auto Dealerships(1). What is causing this increase in theft and how can you protect your Auto Dealership from this rising threat?
What is causing the rise in Auto Dealership theft?
It’s widely known that COVID-19 supply chain disruptions have caused an increase in theft related crimes across various industries, including but not limited to Construction, Distribution Centres, and in this case – Auto Dealerships.
Shortages of critical car components have caused manufacturers to scale back production, in turn creating higher consumer demand(2). This demand has raised prices of vehicles, resulting in an attractive opportunity for criminals. Detective Doug Belanger stated “ We have noted a shift in trends regarding vehicle thefts as we are now seeing a sudden spike in CRV thefts from owners driveways and more vehicles being taken from car dealerships outside of their hours of operations.”(3)
An example of this theft occurred in Milton Ontario, on June 14th, 2022, when over $700,000 worth of motorcycles were stolen from a dealership parking lot(4). Fourteen Can-Am Spyder motorcycles were being stored in a trailer, which was towed off the property by thieves.
This isn’t the only example of this type of theft, and there are many others occurring just like it. Earlier this year, an Auto Dealership in Langley, BC, fell victim to a brazen theft which resulted in the loss of seven vehicles, and the keys to the Auto Dealerships inventory(5).
Another example of this type of theft occurred late last year in Moncton, New Brunswick, when thieves gained entry into a dealership and forced the key box open(6). The suspects were able to steal 26 sets of keys, and 11 vehicles.
How do we protect you from Auto Dealership Theft?
Our industry leading total security solutions were developed with one main objective: the early detection and deterrence of criminal activity, before it occurs. Our team of security professionals map out site specific security plans based on your needs and concerns, as well as the layout of your Auto Dealership property.
Our first security measure comes in the form of anti-trespassing and video surveillance warning signage. These simple, yet highly effective, security measures inform the trespasser that they are not permitted to be at the Auto Dealership after hours, and that their actions are being actively monitored. Once our Logistics Team reviews the concerns and your Auto Dealership site map, we will strategically install high-resolution security cameras that surveil the complete perimeter of your site, and any additional areas of importance.
When a trespasser is detected on our security cameras, our highly skilled Video Monitoring Operators will attempt to deter them with a variety of powerful deterrence peripherals. Descriptive voice commands are issued, informing the suspect that they are being live monitored and that any illegal actions are being recorded and will be reported to the Police.
For a visual deterrence, our Operators utilize our highly visible blue LED deterrence strobe lights to bring unwanted attention (in the eyes of the criminal) to the area, while also directing Police to specific areas around the site during the night. If the suspect refuses to leave the premises, our operators will contact the local authorities and provide them with key details such as suspect description, location, and behavior.
Whilst the Police are dispatched, our operators will continue to closely monitor the situation, collecting as much detail as possible as they stay in contact with the Police until the suspect is apprehended and the threat is contained.
All of the information collected during the incident is compiled into a thorough security report which contains a time-stamped recount of the incident, as well as images to provide visual context. This report, along with the security footage, is accessible through our security information reporting platform, syncroReports. This platform is your access point to important site security information such as in-depth reports, robust security analytics, and high resolution security feeds streamed directly from the cameras on your site(s).
Auto Dealerships are known to be home to highly valuable inventory such as vehicles, car parts, tools, & equipment. As an additional layer of protection, we recommend deploying our wireless intrusion alarm system, syncroDetect. This system comes equipped with wireless door and window contact sensors, as well as indoor motion detection sensors that are deployed in areas of importance such as car showrooms, equipment & storage lockers, and garage doors. Once these sensors are tripped, our UL Certified Video Monitoring Center is instantly alerted, and our operators quickly utilize our security cameras to gain a visual, in addition to contacting local law enforcement… if necessary.
The rising demand for vehicles has created an opportunity that thieves are taking full advantage of. In order to protect your Auto Dealership from theft, it is imperative that you implement effective security solutions. Put your security in the hands of a team you can trust to stay protected from this rising threat.
Resources:
- “Sharp increase in car thefts in 2022, Ottawa Police say” CTV News, Ted Raymond, May 31st, 2022
- “Car Thefts are on the rise in Montreal, and culprits are getting craftier” CBC News, Mar 03, 2022
- “Sharp increase in car thefts in 2022, Ottawa Police say” CTV News, Ted Raymond, May 31st, 2022
- “Langley, B.C. auto dealer suffers ‘gut-wrenching’ theft of cars, keys” Global news, Elizabeth McSheffrey, January 3rd, 2022
- “Police recover remaining stolen vehicles from car dealership” RCMP, December 13th, 2021