Criminals Are Getting Craftier … Is Your Self-Storage Security System Sufficient to Today’s Riskier Environment?

Regardless of how old your self-storage facility is or how long you’ve been in the industry, one thing is certain: You must address site security. Not only that, but the stakes are higher today than in the past. Keeping your property safe takes more effort, and technology is now a big part of the equation.

You might be wondering, “Do I really need to invest in all kinds of expensive equipment when all I want to rent space?” Yes! This asset that you own or manage is worth a great deal of money, and it must be protected. Plus, your tenants believe their stored goods are extremely valuable, and you need to safeguard them, too.

Here’s an uncomfortable fact: Vandals and thieves are becoming more creative and daring with their tactics. We’ve all heard stories of tenants using their own facility access to steal items from other customers, either by cutting through a door or a shared wall, or even entering a unit through the ceiling. We’ve heard heartbreaking tales of people attempting to live in units, or using them to house children or animals. It isn’t uncommon for storage to be used for illegal goods or activities.

There will always be people who approach your self-storage property with unsavory motives, but a strong, state-of-the-art, visible security system will help deter criminal activity. It’ll also help tenants feel safe while on site and comfortable about leaving their items with you. Finally, it makes an excellent marketing tool, especially if it’s better than what your competition has.

Not every transgression can be prevented, but a good security system coupled with vigilant staff will help protect your self-storage business and all the people who use it. Let’s explore the key components required in today’s riskier environment and how to upgrade if your property needs more “juice.”

Best Foot Forward: Access Control

A key security element for every self-storage property is the access-control system, which has multiple components including an entry/exit gate and keypad. Modern options include convenient features that allow you to restrict tenant access to specific hours of the day or areas of the property. For example:

My personal favorite is the ability to set an automatic alert in relation to tenant activity. For example, you may wish to be notified when any customer passes through the gate or only when specific users do.

Must-Have Components

Let’s look more closely at the parts of a self-storage access-control system as well as some other components that are deemed essential in the industry today.

Perimeter protection. For your site perimeter, you have two main options. You can install various styles of fencing, or you can build a “fortress-style” facility in which the buildings are set around the outer limits of the property to act as a barrier. The latter approach is often more effective.

Motorized gate. Some self-storage operators use a single gate for facility entry and exit, while others keep these separate. The gate software allows you to track who’s coming and going, making it essential.

Keypads. These come with a variety of modern options including a display screen, proximity-card reader, two-way intercom and pinhole camera. They can also be accompanied by a mobile app, offering site accessibility via a smartphone.

Individual door alarms. These are an inexpensive yet effective way to extend your access-control system. They alert staff to unauthorized intrusion through audible sirens, flashing strobes and text notifications. Moreover, it’s a great selling point to tenants.

Cameras. These have played a vital role in self-storage security for decades, but now they’re more affordable and widely available. The image quality has also greatly improved, providing clear footage of site activity day or at night. Pan-and-tilt cameras can automatically zoom in on activity in the field of view, while infrared night-vision cameras are good for low-light areas. Technological advances give you many more options when deciding where and how to mount cameras for the best protection.

Video monitors. Once your cameras are placed, run the security feed through video monitors in your self-storage management office, where customers can see them. Tenants will feel safer know you’re keeping an eye on the property. Plus, if you record the footage, you’ll have documentation of site activity in the event of a crime or other incident, accessible by day and time.

Intercoms. These not only make a great complement to your security system, they provide a way for site staff to communicate with each other and tenants. Whether a customer is having trouble with a roll-up door or there’s an emergency, intercoms with a few easy-to-read instructions are a good selling point and offer an abundance of safety features.

Time to Upgrade?

Like any technology, your self-storage security equipment will eventually need to be replaced. How will you know when to upgrade? One of your first clues will be when the manufacturer is no longer updating the system with new features. Another is when technical support is harder to reach.

Are repairs and replacements still offered for your existing security system? If you haven’t sought help in a while, you might one day be surprised to discover it’s no longer available. This can leave your property unprotected in the event of a failure, and an issue can take several weeks to resolve. It’s smart to check in with your security provider from time to time to avoid being caught off-guard and stay ahead of the game.

When it comes time for an overhaul, take your time and learn about the various self-storage security products on the market today. Many modern systems work similarly but with key differences. You also need to know what software is required to support the hardware and how this system will integrate the other technology in use at your site. Also, what is necessary to ensure your security will remain effective in the event of an internet outage or computer failure?

When it comes to shopping for self-storage security components today, there are no shortcuts. To find the right fit for your business, you must diligently research each company and product, talk with other facility operators, and connect with providers. Technology can certainly improve your business, but you must do the legwork.

Remember: The least expensive security system isn’t necessarily the best. This is one area in which you can’t afford to skimp on quality. In a time when criminals are getting craftier and more creative, your livelihood and your tenants’ valuables depend on it!

David Essman is vice president of business development at Sentinel Systems, a provider of access-control systems, management software and other technology. He has been with the company since 1995. To reach him, call 866.351.4423 or email [email protected].