As the busy holiday season approaches, and with Black Friday and the biggest shopping days of the year, retailers are gearing up for a surge in foot traffic—and an increased risk of criminal activity. In the hustle and bustle of retail shopping, it’s easy to overlook the vital role parking garages and surface lots play in the overall customer experience.
For retailers, the parking garage is more than just a space for cars – it’s a key area that needs attention and security. Shoppers expect a smooth, carefree visit, from quickly finding the perfect parking spot to making it back to their vehicle and exiting the property safely. And for retailers, protecting that experience means implementing effective security measures.
It’s an unfortunate fact that retail stores are prime targets for theft, with increasing frequency. According to the National Retail Federation, retail theft costs businesses billions annually, leaving store operators with the difficult decision to close stores, reduce operating hours, or reduce product availability. The damage doesn’t stop at financial loss—retail theft erodes trust, disrupts operations, and can put both employees and customers at risk.
To combat this ever-growing issue, retailers are fighting back in a number of ways, both inside the store and outside. Retailers across the country are combating theft in various ways. In-store loss prevention teams, security guards, and high-tech systems like facial recognition and electronic article surveillance (EAS) are all being deployed.
However, according to TKH Security, the focus is often centred inside the store, while a significant part of the problem takes place outside in the parking garage or surface lot. With sprawling spaces and often limited visibility, parking facilities present opportunities for thieves to act without being easily detected. Vehicles are broken into, stolen, or used as escape routes for shoplifters, turning parking garages into crime hotspots. In response, retailers have begun to recognise that safeguarding the parking facilities is as important as securing the retail floor.
Where customers park, is especially crucial due to the opportunity it provides for early intervention. When potential criminals see a well-maintained, closely monitored parking facility, they are more likely to think twice about committing a crime. In the event that a crime does occur, footage from these cameras can aid law enforcement in identifying the perpetrators, increasing the chances of recovery and prosecution. In short, by enhancing security and surveillance in parking garages, retailers can better protect their assets, their customers, and, ultimately, their bottom line.
As retailers look to bolster their defences against organised retail crime, the significance of the parking facility, cannot be overstated. That’s where the Park Assist Solution from TKH Security can come in.
A global leader in high-quality and innovative parking solutions, the Park Assist Solution is much more than an automated parking guidance system (APGS). The system’s Park Surveillance technology utilises the camera-based smart sensors to record real-time streaming HD video 24/7, continuously or when motion is detected, in and between parking spaces. The footage is then stored, where it can be reviewed and downloaded, for up to 90 days.
APGS and Park Surveillance technology can help retailers with parking space video coverage, high-resolution video for accurate evidence, and real-time alerts and recording.
“With our APGS smart parking technology, our retail partners are protecting their assets and creating a better experience for their customers. The system’s ability to track activity and provide clear footage has been a game-changer for our client’s security strategies,” said Jeff Sparrow, Director of Sales, North America.
The ideal approach to combating crime via parking facilities is twofold: prevention and protection. The presence of a HD camera-based parking guidance systems serves as a strong deterrent against crime, making parking facilities safer for customers and employees. Clear signage and visible cameras alert would-be criminals that the area is under constant observation, reducing the likelihood of theft, vandalism, and other unlawful activities in parking facilities.
However, even with the best deterrents in place, incidents can still occur. In such cases, APGS systems play a crucial role in protecting the property owner from liability claims. Negligent security claims—where a property owner is held responsible for harm caused as a result of inadequate security measures—are a growing concern. The footage from HD camera-based smart sensors, like the M5, can be critical in proving that the property owner took reasonable steps to secure the area, potentially protecting them from liability in the event of a lawsuit.
As retail continues to evolve, prioritising the safety and security of every aspect of the customer journey—including the parking garage—will be vital. Automated Parking Guidance Systems help retailers reduce parking lot theft, enhance customer safety, and mitigate potential legal risks. By investing in advanced parking systems, retail businesses can create a safer, more efficient environment for customers and employees alike.
