Are you frustrated with crime in your parking area? The solution for your surface: parking lot cameras, especially in commercial areas, are often vulnerable to theft and security breaches. Installing parking lot security cameras is an effective measure to reduce these risks.
Placing CCTV cameras carefully in a parking lot helps keep a close monitor on entrances, exits, the outer edges, and places where people pay. These surveillance cameras act like a virtual security guard, quickly notice anything unusual, like strange actions, deter crime or suspicious activities. This makes your parking lot area safer.
If you have infinite questions about parking lot camera choice, this blog is your essential guide to choosing parking lot cameras to proactively deter criminal activities.
We will show you how good these surveillance cameras are by pointing out their best parts and helping you choose the right ones for the best security for parking lots.
Why do we need CCTV cameras in parking lots?
We need CCTV cameras in the parking lot to thwart criminal activities. The Bureau of Justice statistics suggest 1 out of every 10 crimes occur in parking lots in the USA.
Some crimes unfold in broad daylight, while others are reserved for the quiet hours of late night, mainly due to improper or no video surveillance.
From vehicle break-ins and car part theft to vandalizing lots with graffiti, robbery, harassment, hit-and-run incidents, stalking, and even domestic disputes, parking lots can indeed be a place for various criminal activities.
While there are many smart ways to deter criminals we can not underestimate the power of 24/7 CCTV vigilance.
A recent report by the college of Policing concluded that security cameras for parking lots play a substantial role in the decrease in overall criminal activity.
The analysis examined crime rates in different CCTV-monitored locations and highlighted a 51% decrease in car parking lots.
Additionally, CCTV footage has proven to be a valuable asset in police investigations for a variety of crimes.
The proportion of crimes for which CCTV recordings were useful in a police investigation
The research underscores the effectiveness of CCTV monitoring, showing that crime detection is higher due to better camera coverage.
This highlights the successful implementation of CCTV systems as integral components of crime prevention strategies.
Criminals do not engage in unlawful activities when they know that they are being monitored by parking lot surveillance cameras.
The selection of PTZ security cameras and their low-light recording capabilities emerged as significant factors in these findings, which we will discuss further in the blog.
Top features for parking lot security camera systems
Choosing the best cameras for parking lot security involves evaluating several features to ensure they provide effective surveillance and enhance overall safety as per your business requirements..
Here are some features that are well-suited for parking lot environments:
High-resolution cameras
Choosing high resolution, ideally at 1080p or above, is crucial for capturing sharp and detailed footage and facilitating the identification of individuals and license plate numbers.
The higher the resolution, the more detailed the camera can render conditions, and the better it can discern distances from the camera to the subject.
For optimal results, aim for more cameras with narrower viewing angles, especially if you’re dealing with 4K resolution, which is more than sufficient.
Wide-angle lenses
Choose cameras with wide-angle lenses to broaden the field of view, achieving comprehensive coverage of parking lots while minimizing blind spots.
It’s important to select cameras with the right viewing angles to ensure high-resolution monitoring in key areas, allowing for extensive coverage using fewer cameras in strategically chosen locations.
For optimum security, consider using bullet cameras to capture every detail over longer distances.
Bullet cameras are perfect for zooming in on smaller elements, while dome cameras are better for broader angles, making them ideal for covering larger areas within parking lots.
Remote access
Remote access means you can effortlessly oversee your parking lot from the comfort of your home, empowering you to remotely arm and disarm the security system with ease.
While there are many other smart ways to deter crime, a cutting-edge CCTV monitoring system offers remote access to your parking lot with both desktop and mobile apps.
Smart analytics and motion detection
Cameras with smart analytics and motion detection capabilities can trigger alerts for suspicious activities, reducing the need for constant monitoring.
AI-enabled advanced video analytics solutions can swiftly detect people loitering for more than the allowed time, people walking around at night, and suspicious behaviors.
Smart analytics can give you full control of parking lot occupancy, which helps you make important decisions.
Network cameras (IP cameras)
IP cameras allow for easy integration into existing network infrastructure. They allow remote monitoring and access to parking lot security camera footage from various devices.
IP cameras offer superior resolution compared to CCTV cameras. This enhanced clarity enables quick detection of suspicious behavior and loitering vehicles in parking lots, improving overall efficiency.
Vandal-resistant design
It is recommended to strategically position the camera at an elevation of 8 feet to prevent criminals from manipulating it or altering its direction.
The camera’s ability to resist vandalism and withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, is achieved through a robust protective casing.
Types of security cameras for parking lots:
You can select the type of CCTV security cameras for parking lots based on your surveillance needs and where you want to place these cameras.
Consider the video surveillance benefits you want to gain from them. Here is a list of different types of CCTV cameras:
- Infrared (IR) or low-light cameras
- Dual head cameras
- License plate recognition camera
- Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras
- Lot cop Remote Surveillance
Infrared (IR) or low-light cameras
Infrared cameras are crucial for parking lots with insufficient night lighting. They can be placed near entrances, exits, and areas with low visibility at night such as warehouses.
Their biggest advantage is that they capture usable footage in low-light conditions.
Dual head cameras
Dual head cameras provide a dual perspective, covering more angles. They can be placed at intersections, corners, or areas with multiple viewpoints. They are good for enhanced coverage and flexibility for monitoring.
License plate recognition camera
License plate recognition cameras can swiftly read license plates for security and tracking.
It can be placed near entrances, exits, and payment kiosks. They offer improved identification of vehicles that overstay or are not allowed to enter the premises.
Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras
PTZ cameras can remotely pan, tilt, and zoom on specific objects and individuals. Security cameras can be strategically positioned to cover large areas or specific points of interest like construction sites or offices. They offer flexible monitoring of expansive parking lots.
Lot cop Remote Surveillance
Lot Cop is a surveillance trailer that is used for mobile video surveillance units. They are particularly useful in remote surveillance when the alerts are sent to the remote surveillance monitoring center.
You can set it up as part of a fixed security system by connecting it to poles, or you can attach it to a moving surveillance trailer.
Even big stores like Walmart and Costco rely on Lot Cop to keep an eye on their retail spaces, parking lots, school and university.
Cost of parking lot security cameras
Finally, the greatest element that helps you decide between the top parking lot security cameras is their cost. CCTV cameras equipped with the aforementioned features may come with a slightly higher price tag.
However, it’s not just about dollars and cents; it’s about the financial losses you prevent by having security cameras in your parking lot.
We’ve provided you with a diverse range of best parking lot security cameras available in the market to deter theft and criminal activities in your parking area:
Tips for installing security cameras at parking lots
For effective remote video surveillance at your parking lots we have a few expert recommendations:
- Position cameras strategically to cover key areas, such as entrances, exits, payment kiosks, and high-traffic zones.
- Ensure comprehensive coverage by selecting camera angles that minimize blind spots. And provide a clear view of the entire parking lot.
- Take into account lighting conditions, both day and night, to optimize camera performance. Install additional lighting if necessary to enhance visibility.
Conclusion
Parking lot security cameras act as a powerful deterrent to potential criminals by making them aware they’re under surveillance. This awareness significantly reduces the likelihood of theft, vandalism, and other unlawful activities.
Modern surveillance systems often support remote video monitoring. This feature lets security staff or property owners view live parking lot footage in real-time.
Moreover, video surveillance systems can seamlessly integrate with other security features. Such as alarms and access control systems, creating a comprehensive and effective security framework.
Contact us for parking lot security solutions tailored to enhance your surveillance strategy.
