We own and operate an RV and Boat storage facility - approximately 80 spaces. About 3/4 of the spaces are covered, but not totally enclosed (no doors). About 1/4 of the spaces are just outside parking. We do not have anyone onsite 24 hours per day. We would like to install some type of surveillance system - one that records all activity or one that I can monitor when I'm offsite. There are so many security companies out there and we don't really know where to begin - which is the best to use, etc. etc.

I would appreciate any advice from similar sized facilities - we are located in a city of approximately 100,000 - not a horribly crime invested place but it still happens. The police have alerted us that there is a rash of thefts and vandalism against RV storage facilites. Any suggestions on a good, reliable surveillance system? Thanks for any help.

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[font="Comic Sans MS"]Nurse Schlagal[/FONT]

Bumping this up for the Nurse, hoping someone will share their thoughts....

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Aloha ke akua,
Stoho

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

There are companies that provide security to this industry. Talk to other facility owners for referrals and information. Forum protocol prohibits me from pointing you toward a particular company, and you should compare a few vendors anyway.

Video surveillance will be an area in which you get what you pay for, both in equipment and installation. Avoid going the bargain-basement route through membership club stores or web-based shopping. And when you have selected an equipment vendor, chances are that company will recommend a couple of installers for your consideration. Use these installers.

Not only is using the recommended installer beneficial from a warranty perspective, it also eliminates finger-pointing. You get an installer who is familiar with the equipment, an equipment maker who is familiar with the installer and, as such, two points of contact for any issues that may occur.

In addition, video is a scalable thing; start with the number of cameras you believe are necessary or can afford. Add on as need dictates and/or budget allows. When you start, have an idea of how many cameras you eventually want to have and buy a DVR that will accomodate that number. The 16 channel recorder you buy today is far more cost-effective than the second 8-channel recorder you have to buy next year to accomodate the increased number of cameras.

Cameras can be set to 'motion-activated', so you are not recording hours of inactivity, and a good system allows you to monitor remotely. The recorder lives at the property, but you can access the system from anywhere.

Thanks for the help and the good advice. I am trying to use a company that has advertised with the buyer's guide from Texas Self Storage Association. I assume that each of these companies are reputable since they are associated with TSSA. There are quite a few to choose from and that's why I thought I'd ask around to see if anyone knows the best.

Thanks so much for both replies I received.

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[font="Comic Sans MS"]Nurse Schlagal[/FONT]

I have been working storage for over 10 years and I have been working with CCTV for nearly 30 years. A more expensive system is not always the answer. Your security cameras at any facility should do a couple things. 1. Deter crime. 2. Give you some ideal where the problems exist. 3. Give you some ideal as to when the problems are occurring. It's then up to you to catch these criminals in the act. Even with a crystal clear digital image the police cannot offer much help. There is no data base for criminal images. Unless it is a terrorist activity, drugs or organized crime the local PD don't usually get involved. Most equipment now days have gone digital as opposed to analog. You can also use wireless.
Tagger’s aren’t just vandals, nine times out of ten if they are tagging your walls their getting inside your facility. Gangs like to target RV’s and vehicle storage. They hot wire the vehicles and listen to the stereo’s, sometimes doing drugs at night.
Storage facilities that offer RV parking near the storage units have allot of activity on the cameras. Tenants routinely “go to the bathroom” between the RV’s especially after hours when the office and bathroom is closed. Storage tenants also like to park in the covered parking when vacant then walk to their units during the day especially in the summer months.
Security companies, Police and the FBI mini-storage task force set up after 911 don’t always have the answers. It’s up to each store to design the best security possible to meet their specific needs.
Onsite managers with previous experience, professional storage management companies and state of the art security equipment is a good start to a safer facility.

In addition to surveillance, you will want an access control system - keypads that tenants are required to use for both coming onto the property and leaving. Most vendors in this industry offer access control with software that compiles an activity log so that you know when Customer X arrived and also when that person left.

Taken one step further, your access and video systems can be synchronized with some companies so that whenever someone punches in a code, that 'event' is time-stamped on your video system. This way, you can search video by access code, by unit number, camera position and, of course, by day/time.

With the price of gas more and more storage facilities are reporting gas theft from RV parking which include all vehicles and boats. A system by itself offers little or no protection. Unless monitored the system itself could be stolen. When school is out for the summer a security guard or night maintenance person may be needed. A security patrol service might work. Not all on site managers do nightly security checks. A well thought out plan is needed to combat crime in any area. Each area is unique with different businesses and events which occur at different times of the year.

Desiging security camera setup - does anyone have experience with overhead wires between buildings? Looks less costly and faster install than cuting pavement for underground conduit. Thinking to fasten 20' poles to building sides for sufficient height.

Joel - Best West Storage, Springfield MO

That does not sound like a good ideal to me, but that is only my opinion. I always investigate all options and a great source is:
Spy Headquarters
Mesa Arizona Store:
Phone (480) 464-9882
Fax (480) 464-9883
Ask for Kevin

Hmmm. Managers are always looking for additional sources of income and items to sell in the office besides tape and boxes. How about locking gas caps at RV storage facilities with outdoor parking?