7 Ways To Secure Your Workplace Parking Lot

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It’s handy to have a private parking lot for you and your employees to use. But how do you stop non-employees parking there? And how can you prevent parked cars from being vandalized or stolen? This post explores a few different ways of securing your parking lot to restrict access and prevent crime.

Fence it off

Fencing off a parking lot can prevent anyone from wandering into your parking lot. Metal fencing is the most secure option and generally quite easy to maintain. Make sure to build it high enough so that it cannot be easily climbed over.

Install a gate/parking barrier

A gate or parking barrier can help to limit access into your parking lot. Commercial security gates are the most secure option and can be designed to look very ornate. Parking barriers consist of a single metal pole that swings down and are more affordable than a gate – they can restrict access to vehicles, but won’t prevent intruders getting in by foot as they can be easily climbed over/under. 

Set up a security camera

Security cameras aren’t just excellent at recording crime, but can also be great deterrents if positioned somewhere visible. Today’s smart cameras can be accessed at any time from a digital device allowing 24/7 monitoring. If cars are likely to be parked there at night, make sure to choose a camera with night vision. There are other surveillance camera features that could also be worth considering. 

Add security lighting

Keeping your parking lot illuminated at night will make it easier for any staff working late to find their vehicle. It could also put off thieves and vandals by making it harder for them to go undetected. Motion-sensing light could help to save you money on energy – such lighting will only turn on when someone is in the parking lot. 

Consider intercom access

To restrict access into your parking lot, you could consider setting up an intercom. Visitors must speak into a microphone or camera in order to be granted access. The disadvantage of intercoms is that they require someone else to be in the building 24/7 to authorize each visitor. 

Give out keycards/fob keys

Another form of access control to consider could be to give out key cards or fob keys to each of your individual employees. These could be scanned against a proximity reader next to the entrance, which then causes the gate or barrier to open. Using software, you can remotely activate and deactivate each of these key cards and fob keys. Make sure to supply enough for each of your employees along with a few spares in case some get lost. 

Look into ANPR technology

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is one of the most convenient forms of access control for parking lots. This involves using a camera to read each number plate – if a vehicle’s number plate has been previously authorized, the barrier or gate will then automatically open. Unfortunately, this is one of the most expensive forms of access control to set up. However, it is worth investing in for ease of use.