We regularly receive letters and telephone calls from customers who have suffered the consequences of car park crime whilst using our car parks and they have expressed their dissatisfaction with the standard of security offered by us.

It is important therefore that we improve both the publics’ perception of, and the actual reality of, the security in our car parks.

 When deciding on the level of security appropriate for a particular car park, it will save time and money if the senior management liaise with their Security Manager who will be aware of what is available on the market, the history of car crime in that particular car park, and the crime trends for that region.

2. Standard Security Measures

Manned Security Patrols

This may be considered the only completely effective method of prevention car crime and there is no doubt that manned patrols give the impression to our customers of high profile security.

The secondary value is that manned security patrols can also assist in the overall general security of the hotel building against unauthorised entry and the prevention of unauthorised parking.

Such patrols can target particular areas of the car park if crime levels are high in that area or if it is known that car park criminals are operating in the local vicinity.

Manned security patrols are however, the most expensive option.

CCTV

CCTV has proved to be a very effective deterrent to crime. It provides visual evidence which can be used to identify suspects and can be used as evidence for prosecutions.

For a system to be effective, staff have to be trained to use it efficiently, including tape management and general maintenance of the system.

A senior member of staff should be responsible for managing the system. The system must be maintained and serviced regularly.

In most instances CCTV systems are only installed with the appropriate recording systems.

For outright purchase, CCTV may cost between £6,000 to £80,000, depending on the specification of the system and what is required. Renting a system is an alternative way of financing the cost.

Additionally, good lighting is essential and this may add to the costs involved.

It creates a very negative image of the Company to our customers when CCTV systems are not effectively used. Good management of the system is essential.

2.3 Fencing

Fences are excellent for protecting car park areas and deterring thieves. By limiting access to the car park it is possible to minimise the opportunity for thieves to wander at will.

Reduction of entrance and exit points and the cover of these areas by CCTV or manned patrol is a very good deterrent. Fencing of large remove car parks is an expensive undertaking.

Fencing can be expensive, but maintenance is relatively inexpensive.

A variation on fencing is the idea of fenced cages located out of sight - valet or controlled parking at extra costs which could be undertaken by a hotel.

Fencing can be aesthetically more acceptable than some other options.

Barriers

These can be very expensive - £5,000 - £14,000. This would cover the normal lifting barrier to the sort of barrier which appears from the ground.

Barriers have a minimal effect on car park thefts, although it may help to control unauthorised parking and entry to the car park.

There are high maintenance costs involved and historically guests claim damage to vehicles caused by malfunctioning barriers.

Barriers require some sort of control which would either be manual, token, or remote operated, which may have further cost implications.

2.5 Lighting

Good lighting is a very cost effective crime prevention method. Well-lit areas deter car thieves and vandals. It is also essential if a CCTV system is to operate effectively.

Good lighting gives a positive impression to customers and is an instantly recognisable anti-crime measure.

2.6 Valet /Controlled Parking

This facility is usually associated with certain brand standards. It could be organised and controlled by the hotel or an external agent such as N.C.P., etc.

3. Conclusion

As well as installing the appropriate physical security measures, increased awareness of staff is also essential. Suspicious persons etc should be reported and managers should actively promote good citizenship and awareness amongst their staff.

A good relationship with your local police is also of benefit. Regular police visits, i.e., uniformed officers in vehicles in police livery will assist in deterring criminals. Sometimes we require extra police attention in the form of car park surveillance, etc,.

This type of operation is easier to provide where relationships are already established between the hotel and police. The Security Department have contacts in most police forces and is available and willing to assist in this aspect.