Parkades can present unique security challenges for properties. They’re isolated, sometimes dark, contain valuable assets, and see frequent vehicle and foot traffic. Within residential buildings, office complexes, and retail centres, parkades can quickly become areas of frequent vagrancy, vandalism, or theft without proper security measures in place, particularly during fall and winter months of extended darkness. In this blog, we’ll explore how parking security guards maintain safety within parkades, providing peace of mind for property managers, visitors, customers, and staff members.
1. Frequent Security Patrols
Parkade security guards conduct regular sweeps of parkade levels, monitoring stairwells, elevator areas, dark corners, and isolated spaces. While on patrol, guards will monitor for security and maintenance issues such as damaged doors or gates and broken lights, which may provide a safety hazard if left unaddressed.
2. Visual Deterrence Through Uniformed Security
Uniformed security guards provide a strong visual deterrent to potential trespassers and criminals through their distinct and visible security uniforms. The presence of a uniformed security guard signals to potential criminals that a property is protected while reassuring visitors that help is nearby if needed.
3. Ensuring Lot Rules are Followed
Parking security guards ensure a parkade’s rules are followed, vehicles are parked in the correct spots, and parking is paid for as needed by visitors. This is important not only for the usability of the parking lot, but also to ensure that no vehicles are parked for hours extending their permitted times. Unattended parkades may inadvertently become shelters for vagrants living within cars, making it important for parkades to have active parking enforcement.
If a parking security guard finds a car in violation of lot rules, they may issue a ticket or coordinate with a towing company to have the car removed from the premises. Additionally, parking security guards monitor for vehicular issues such as headlights left on and can alert individuals within the building.
4. Escorting Visitors to Their Vehicles
A building’s security guard can provide escort services to staff members or visitors upon request, accompanying individuals to their vehicles during late hours. This is especially helpful during long winter evenings, within parking lots that have low visibility, or parking lots located in high-crime areas. Blackbird Security guards are trained in customer service skills to provide optimal face-to-face service for a building’s visitors, customers, and staff.
5. Responding to Trespassers and Vagrants
Addressing trespassing and vagrancy in parkades can be a delicate issue, requiring a balanced approach of professionalism and respect with firmness and authority. Security guards are trained to handle these situations carefully through peaceful de-escalation techniques, approaching individuals respectfully while maintaining firm boundaries.
When encountering trespassers, guards attempt to peacefully resolve the situation through clear and concise communication. They will calmly explain the rules of the lot and the consequences of disregarding the rules. If necessary, or if there is adequate evidence that the trespasser has committed a theft within the lot, the security guard will contact local law enforcement and provide evidence such as report records or CCTV footage.
The Blackbird Security Advantage
At Blackbird Security, our guards receive specialized training through our in-house training program, Blackbird Academy, to handle the unique challenges of parking security. Course topics include Peaceful De-escalation Training, Fire Safety Training, Customer Service Excellence, Report Writing, and Standard First Aid. Combined with vigilance and attention to detail, this comprehensive training contributes to safer parkade environments across residential, retail, and office properties.
Preventative Parkade Security Measures
Effective parkade security includes proactive strategies that prevent incidents before they occur. Our security guards work closely with property management to implement comprehensive security protocols. In office security settings, this might include verifying employee parking passes and maintaining logs of after-hours access. For residential security, guards ensure that resident parking areas remain exclusive to building occupants and their authorized guests. These details help prevent unauthorized access and protect both vehicles and their owners.
Partner With Blackbird Security to Safeguard Your Parkade
A well-secured parkade not only protects valuable vehicles inside, but also secures the entire property and provides peace of mind for your residents, employees, and visitors. Our experienced security teams are ready to create a safer environment for your parkade facility. Get in touch with us using the form below to learn how we can enhance your parking security.
We provide services in the following areas:
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