Yes, simply put! Many parking garages do have some form of camera surveillance, although the extent of its coverage differs!
While it is not always required by law, cameras protect properties, people, and vehicles!
Parking your vehicles in an unmonitored parking garage can cost you hundreds of dollars!
To ease your worries, it’s essential to understand the security measures in place, particularly the role of parking garage cameras.
This blog will showcase the key features and benefits of the installed camera systems in parking garages, helping you choose the best place to park your vehicle.
Ready to know how cameras safeguard your car? Let’s get started!!
Why are parking garage cameras essential?
When you pull into a parking garage, your mind is likely on your destination, not your car’s safety. However, the risk of theft, vandalism, or accidents is a genuine concern.
Check out the top crime areas in Houston, Texas! Yes, parking lots come in second position with almost 25.3K incidents:
Parking lots are often hotspots for various criminal activities. Here is a summary of the most commonly identified threats:
The risks in parking lots are real, ranging from simple break-ins and parts theft to more sophisticated carjacking and property crimes like vandalism.
And you need to stop those illegal donut makers from ruining your property, right?
But it doesn’t stop there. Parking garages can also be hotspots for violent crimes such as assaults and robberies. Even accidents, both pedestrian and vehicular, are common occurrences in these spaces.
It’s clear that parking garages need robust security measures to protect both vehicles and people.
This is where parking garage cameras come in!
Where do parking garage owners install CCTV security cameras?
Not all parking areas are created equal; some are safer than others.
Modern camera systems are installed in certain parking areas, whereas other locations may have minimal or no surveillance.
CCTV cameras can be placed at:
- Entrance and Exit Points to capture license plates and individuals entering and exiting.
- Perimeter Walls and Fences to monitor for unauthorized access and trespassers.
- Stairwells and Elevators are high-crime areas often targeted by criminals.
- Parking Levels to focus on areas with poor lighting or potential blind spots.
- Payment Stations and Ticket Booths to observe transactions and deter theft.
These security cameras are a visible deterrent for criminals!
In case anything does happen, the footage will help protect parking lot owners and clients from false accusations or legal disputes.
Which parking garages in North America have cameras?
The parking space detection camera market research report highlights a growing trend in locations across the USA and Canada, where parking garages are increasingly installing parking lot security cameras to effectively prevent vehicle theft.
These wireless security systems are found in parking garages of airports, shopping malls, and any other large public premise.
They deliver a vast scope of flexibility as well as real-time monitoring. They form an integral part of modern security infrastructure.
What other forms of security do parking garages use ?
Gone are the days of passive surveillance in parking garages. Today’s modern facilities are transforming into high-tech fortresses, equipped with advanced security measures to protect vehicles and patrons.
At the heart of these security systems are AI security cameras ready to detect and track any security breach!
For example, thermal security cameras protect the perimeter of parking garages by detecting human movement in complete darkness through heat signatures, identifying potential threats.
License plate reader cameras keep tabs on specific vehicle movements and also serve as evidence in any legal dispute!
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras provide unparalleled flexibility in monitoring specific areas.
Mobile surveillance units (MSUs):
MSUs offer a flexible and adaptable approach to surveillance. You’ve probably seen them – those towering poles with bright lights and cameras perched atop them. Mobile surveillance units (MSUs) are a game-changer in parking lot security.
Equipped with high-definition cameras, powerful lights, and often solar power, they can be deployed strategically to deter crime and gather evidence.
Remote video monitoring system:
To maximize security, these systems often integrate with top-notch live video monitoring centers. Real-time surveillance provided by remote video monitoring services is crucial in detecting intrusion, vandalism, and arson!
As soon as the cameras’ analytics detect suspicious behavior, an alarm is triggered at the remote video monitoring center.
The diligent operators spring into action! They access the live video feeds and rapidly respond to the situation by following each client’s predefined standard procedures.
Essential features of parking garage camera systems:
To create a truly secure space, we need cameras that pack a punch.
Let’s break down the essential features:
- Seeing Clearly: High-resolution images are a must. We must catch those pesky details – license plates and suspicious activity before more harm is done!
- Wide-Angle Vision: Cover more ground with fewer cameras. A wider view means less chance for blind spots.
- Night vision : Low-light or night vision is a no-brainer. Darkness shouldn’t be a criminal’s friend.
- Zoom In and Out: Pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities let us focus on trouble spots when needed.
- Motion Sensors: Alerts you to movement so you are always one step ahead.
- Smart Cameras: Video analytics can help identify potential threats, like loitering or fighting.
- Remote Control: Helps you keep an eye on things from anywhere. All you need is an internet connection to access multiple parking garages camera systems from your mobile app!
Here, we would like to recommend our most-read article! Especially for someone who owns or manages a parking lot.
It dives deep into the different security challenges parking lots face and offers 10 tried-and-tested solutions to make them safer.
What is the best security camera for parking garages?
Choosing cameras for different locations inside a parking garage can be a tedious task!
The Head of Operations at AirGarage emphasizes the effectiveness of parking lot cameras equipped with license plate recognition (LPR) technology in detecting hit-and-run cases. He says:
“LPR cameras are really a very powerful tool; they are proactive in detecting and deterring possible security threats, securing our customers and the properties we manage.”.
While the choice depends on the size, location, and your budget, here are a few essential features you shouldn’t miss when searching for a parking garage camera!
| Feature | Preferred Setting | Suggested Camera | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Resolution Imaging | 4K Ultra HD camera for detailed imaging. | Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Camera. | Amcrest UltraHD 4K Camera |
| Wide-Angle Lenses | 180-degree field of view for expansive coverage. | Lorex 4K Ultra HD 180-Degree Camera. | Lorex 4K Ultra HD Camera |
| Low-Light or Night Vision | IR (infrared) or low-light sensor capabilities. | Reolink RLC-810A. | Reolink RLC-810A |
| Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Capabilities | 20x optical zoom with remote control. | Axis Communications Q6128-E PTZ Camera. | Axis Q6128-E PTZ Camera |
| License Plate Recognition (LPR) | Designed specifically for LPR with high-speed capture. | Avigilon LPR Camera. | Avigilon LPR Camera |
| Motion Detection | Adjustable motion detection zones. | Arlo Ultra 4K Camera. | Arlo Ultra 4K Camera |
| Remote Accessibility | Cloud-based management and remote control. | Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. | Nest Cam IQ Outdoor |
Benefits of AI-powered parking garage cameras:
Preventing post-game mayhem:
Ever been at a stadium and seen a parking lot turn into a chaotic mess after the game? We have! What if I told you there’s tech that can help prevent that post-game frenzy before it even starts?
Crowd-detection analytics can identify the formation of a crowd in the parking lot and pinpoint possible hotspots where a fight may break out. Pretty cool?
People-Counting Analytics: The Ultimate Parking Lot Concierge.
Imagine being at a busy event and wanting to know how bad the parking lot is packed. People-counting analytics has got your back!
This smart tech does not just count people, but it also counts the number of human beings residing inside a vehicle.
This means that whether you are organizing a concert or even a corporate event, you will be able to anticipate the crowd and thus manage the space better.
Weapon Detection: Keeping Everyone Safe.
Let’s get serious for a moment. Safety is paramount, and weapon detection analytics are here to take it up a notch.
This technology can spot individuals bradishing weapons and instantly relay this info to security teams. It’s like having an extra set of vigilant eyes on the lookout, ensuring that those armed are detected swiftly and discreetly.
License plate tracking and automated payments:Â
Ah, parking—the necessary evil. But what if it didn’t have to be a hassle? License plate tracking and automated payments.
This system reads your license plate, tracks how long you’ve been parked, and automatically lifts the exit gate if you’re still within your free period.Â
No more fumbling for change or stressing about meter expiration. If you’re past the free time, the system knows it’s pay-up time. Parking is made so effortless you might just find yourself looking forward to the next trip!
Frequently asked questions:Â
How many types of cameras are within a parking garage?
The saying works well when it comes to parking garage cameras: variety is the spice of life. You have the more standard CCTV cameras, working well for general surveillance.
Next are PTZ cameras that pan, tilt, and zoom over an area of interest or on suspicious activity. Other garages even make use of license plate recognition cameras to trace vehicles.
Where should security cameras be placed within a parking garage?
The best places to have security cameras installed in a parking garage would be high and overlooking large areas, such as entrances, exits, and major passageways.
You also want to place them in corners and near elevators since most people pass through these areas. Also, don’t forget about the stairwells—they’re great places for any sort of sneaky business if they’re not monitored.
How to know if a parking garage has a camera?
If you are asking how to know a certain parking lot has cameras or not, look around you. More often than not, you will find signs indicating surveillance or security cameras. Sometimes the cameras themselves are obvious, nailed to poles or attached to the walls.
Can parking lot cameras read license plates?
Yes, many cameras installed in parking lots can read license plates, particularly ones with license plate recognition technology.
Conclusion:Â
Yes, parking garages do have security cameras, ranging from discreet models to solar-operated security cameras mounted on a mast!
The aim is to make these parking garages safer places with the integration of advanced technology. From traditional CCTV cameras to AI-powered solutions like license plate recognition and people counting, security is being elevated to new heights.
By understanding the key features of parking garage security systems, drivers and property owners can make informed decisions to protect vehicles and people.
If you need a free consultation for a comprehensive parking lot security solution, contact us today!
