Most parking garages these days do have security cameras to deter thieves and vandals. Do parking garages have cameras? This is an important question for anyone who parks their vehicle in a parking garage.
Parking garages can be prime locations for car break-ins, vandalism, and other crimes. Security cameras in parking garages act as a deterrent and provide video evidence if a crime does occur. So do parking garages have cameras?
The short answer is – yes, most parking garages have security cameras. However, the number of cameras, areas covered, and video quality can vary greatly from garage to garage. Larger parking garages in big cities likely invest more in security and surveillance than small suburban garages. But even basic camera systems in parking structures serve an important purpose.
In this blog, we will learn why parking garages need cameras, what areas they record, and tips to keep your car and belongings safe.
Why Do Parking Garages Need Cameras?
Arriving at the question, do parking garages have cameras and why do parking garages need cameras?
Parking garages need cameras to help improve security and deter crime. According to the 2015 Crime in Parking Facilities Report by the International Parking & Mobility Institute, thefts from vehicles make up over 90% of parking facility crimes. Other issues parking facility cameras can capture and help prevent include:
- Thefts of items from parked vehicles
- Break-ins and theft of vehicles
- Vandalism and damage to vehicles
- Assaults, robberies, and other crimes against people
- Accidents and hit-and-runs
Security cameras act as a crime deterrent. Signs announcing video surveillance will make criminals think twice before attempting a crime if they know cameras are recording their actions. Video footage also helps identify suspects and aids in investigations if a crime does occur.
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Types of cameras used in parking garages
Parking garages utilize various camera technologies suitable for their environment. Enclosed parking garages often require different equipment than exposed rooftop decks or surface lots. Common types of cameras include:
Fixed cameras: Fixed security cameras are permanently mounted in place to monitor a certain area. Fixed cameras come in dome and bullet/box styles. Dome cameras are more discreet while bullet cameras are more visible as a crime deterrent.
PTZ cameras: Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras are high-tech cameras that can pan, tilt and zoom-in on areas in ultra-high definition. Operators can manipulate PTZ cameras remotely to track activity.
Infrared/low light cameras: These specialized cameras have extra sensitivity to capture video in low light. Parking garages often have poor lighting in certain areas, so infrared capability ensures constant video coverage.
Wide dynamic range cameras: WDR cameras balance light levels across an image. They overcome challenges like glare and backlighting to clearly show license plates and other details that are hard to expose properly.
Thermal cameras: Thermal cameras detect heat signatures and capture video based on temperature differences. They literally show the “heat” of criminals through obstructions and in total darkness.
ANPR cameras: Automatic Number/License Plate Recognition (ANPR/ALPR) cameras instantly extract license plate data. This helps identify entering/exiting vehicles and previous visitors if needed during an investigation.
What Areas Do Parking Garage Cameras Record?
Parking garages have cameras positioned to capture all angles of the facility. Do parking garages have cameras recording the following areas?
Do parking garages have cameras that see license plates? Many parking garages invest in License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras. As vehicles enter and exit the garage, the cameras capture images of the front and rear license plates. The camera uses optical character recognition (OCR) to convert the license plate image into text data that can be stored in a backend database.
LPR systems are extremely helpful for parking enforcement. The system knows which vehicles have paid for parking, hourly limits, etc. License plate data also aids investigations if a crime occurs by confirming which vehicles were present.
Entrance and Exit
Cameras above entry and exit gates record license plate numbers as cars enter and depart. If a vehicle is stolen from the garage, this creates a record of the car leaving.
Stairwells and Elevators
Cameras within stairwells and elevators deter assaults, thefts, and vandalism. Do parking garages have cameras in these tight spaces too? Yes, now most have this area covered.
Parking Areas and Lanes
Strategically set cameras sweep up and down the parking lanes. Do parking garages have cameras providing views between vehicles? They should. Blind spots get targeted most for break-ins.
Cashier Booths
Cameras act as extra security for parking garage cashiers. Do parking garages have cameras on the booths? Working with money always carries risks. The cameras act to prevent armed robbery.
How Can I Keep My Car and Valuables Safe?
While parking garage cameras provide general security, you can take other steps as well:
Choose a Reputable Garage
Well-lit garages with gates, regular patrols, and camera surveillance are best. Checking reviews also helps to learn about other customer’s experiences.
Conceal Belongings
Lock any bags or valuables in your trunk before arriving. Even small electronics left visible can entice thieves to break in.
Get a Window Etching
Car window etching applies vehicle identification numbers to windows. This special marking helps deter thefts and recover stolen vehicles.
Install a Car Alarm
Audible alarms attract attention if anyone tampers with doors or windows. Alarms interrupting a break-in cause most thieves to flee.
Park in Well-Traveled Areas
Park near pedestrian entrances rather than isolated top floors or corners. Increased visible traffic deters criminals.
Report Anything Suspicious
Alert garage attendants to people loitering or vehicles parked at excessive times. Extra vigilance assists garage personnel.
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In Summary: Do Parking Garages Have Cameras
Parking garages actively use camera networks to protect parked vehicles. Advanced systems record in helpful detail while covering blind spots. While technology improves, drivers must also remain cautious.
Following safety measures along with garage security preserves belongings against thieves. The question of whether parking garages have cameras is essential when choosing safe parking in cities.
The question “Do parking garages have cameras” has a definite yes as an answer in most facilities. But camera prevalence and quality vary greatly. Understanding parking garage surveillance capabilities in your city helps ensure you use proper precautions.
Check for cameras and signage about video monitoring when picking a public parking spot for added security and peace of mind.