In Puerto Rico, parking lots, while central to daily life, can also be hotspots for car theft and other criminal activities. Often dimly lit and sparsely populated at certain hours, they offer criminals anonymity and access to valuable items, making them attractive targets due to their perceived lack of security.
That is why installing security cameras for parking lots has become increasingly important.
In this blog post, our team discusses the benefits of surveillance cameras for parking lot safety and offers guidance on factors to consider when choosing your system.
Benefits of security cameras for parking lots and garages
1. Crime deterrence
Parking lot security cameras and garage surveillance systems can dissuade intruders, thieves and vandals from engaging in illegal activities. The knowledge that their actions and identities could be recorded discourages them, creating a safer environment for visitors.
2. Improved awareness
Smartly positioned cameras in parking lots eliminate blind spots, offering complete area coverage. Additionally, cameras equipped with advanced video analytics can detect objects, trespassing and unusual activities — enabling swift responses and incident prevention.
3. Evidence collection
In case of a crime, parking lot cameras are invaluable for collecting critical evidence. Law enforcement can use recorded footage, including clear images of culprits and license plate numbers, to support legal proceedings.
4. Efficient visitor management
Parking lot surveillance systems simplify visitor management, facilitating the tracking of entries and exits. This also allows security personnel to quickly identify unusual behavior and respond accordingly.
5. Remote access and monitoring
Integration with remote access systems enables authorized personnel to monitor the cameras from anywhere in the world. This capability enhances property management efficiency and ensures quick responses to suspicious activities.
Factors to consider when choosing security cameras for parking lots
To design a comprehensive camera system for your space, it is important to consider:
1. Field of view
Consider the parking lot’s size, the distance from the camera to the subject and the necessary shot detail to determine suitable camera options or combinations of these.
Bullet cameras excel at long-distance shots with detailed capture, while dome cameras cover wider angles. 360-degree cameras offer a broad view but may sacrifice image quality. PTZ cameras offer versatility but work best with live operators for large areas.
2. Camera location and mounting
Camera placement in parking lots is crucial for effective monitoring — with strategic positioning to cover the entire area and high-quality mounts to avoid glare, tampering and weather damage.
3. Low-light capabilities
Cameras with integrated infrared capabilities can improve security in parking lots with low-light and high nighttime traffic, providing clear visibility and enabling continuous event monitoring.
4. Advanced software features
Motion detection, license plate recognition and AI-driven analytics can enhance your parking lot security.
5. Connectivity
LTE-enabled cameras are well-suited for remote parking lot monitoring in areas lacking traditional internet access — providing a dependable, low-latency and high-upload-speed connection.
6. Resolution
Better image quality makes identification easier. For primary identification concerns, a minimum resolution of 1440p is recommended, while 1080p can suffice if identification is not critical.
7. Weatherproofing
Investing in extreme weather security cameras will ensure reliable operation in adverse conditions like temperature fluctuations, dust and rain.
8. Storage
The necessary storage capacity varies based on area size and the number of cameras used, but it’s advisable to ensure enough storage for at least 30 days of footage.
Cloud-based video surveillance offers redundancy and enhanced data security by storing footage offsite and providing multi-device access, benefiting businesses with extensive video data needs or multiple locations.
9. Staffing needs
Account for the required personnel to operate the system, which may involve in-house staff or hiring a remote security operations center.
Remote access provides real-time monitoring and swift emergency responses, enhancing security management significantly.
10. Cost
Balancing cost, essential features and system quality is crucial when selecting security cameras, as top-tier models can be expensive, but affordable options with effective monitoring features are available to maintain security.
11. Installation
Install your video surveillance system in compliance with local laws and manufacturer specifications, and maintain thorough documentation for efficient future upgrades or maintenance.
Product spotlights: Best security cameras for parking lots
Our team recommends these robust solutions from our trusted partners at Pelco.
Sarix Multi Pro
This panoramic IP camera offers flexible video security for large areas, providing multi-directional indoor and outdoor 360-degree coverage from a single vantage point while achieving superior image quality.
Sarix Professional 4 Series
Sarix Pro 4 fixed IP cameras offer targeted surveillance (indoors or outdoors), with options for bullet or dome designs. This versatile and cost-effective solution features high resolutions and zoom capabilities, excelling in low-light and tough conditions.
[Fixed IP Cameras: Bullet vs. Dome]
Spectra Enhanced IR Look Up 7 Series
This PTZ camera can capture objects quickly at a distance and zoom in, while the infrared illumination helps brighten the scene. Features 360-degree views, wide tilt range and built-in analytics.
[Related reading: Improve Safety With VoIP Emergency Phone Systems]
Want to talk about our security cameras for parking lots and other video surveillance solutions?
Our comprehensive guide can help, but we know things can get overwhelming fast, so talk to the experts! We work with the industry’s top video surveillance manufacturers, who design for exceptional performance in indoor, outdoor and harsh environments. At EAS we’re experts at designing, implementing and maintaining a wide variety of security and IT solutions that work for you and we’re committed to protect your most valuable assets.
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EAS Systems, Inc. is a leading company in security, communication & infrastructure solutions – serving industrial, commercial and government clients in Puerto Rico and the USVI for 28+ years. Our services include Video Surveillance, Access Control, Structured Cabling, Perimeter Intrusion Detection, Key Control & Management, Intercom & Public Address, Commercial Audio/Visual + more.
Source: Full Guide to Parking Lot and Parking Garage Security Camera Systems
