Theft / vandalism in desperate times

[Reveluv]

Coin operated self serve in metro city in NC. Been in business 30 years in an "ok to not great" part of town and business has been very good over the years.

Generally speaking, theft attempts and vandalism have been manageable but in the past few months has escalated to the point of threatening the viability of the business.

No cameras or anything like that, my father (who has run it to this point) does not use technology for the most part.

Safes in some bays have been drilled in an attempt to break into them, had to get a welder to attach a secure metal face that prevents access. This week someone smashed the timers (thinking they could get in to access money?) in the bays.

I know people have experienced the same in reading previous threads but anyone else feel like people are so desperate they are going 'all out' to try and get any amount of money?

 

[tdlconceptsllc]

What city in NC? I would defiantly suggest cameras asap and plenty of brite lights

 

[Reveluv]

Thanks for the feedback, we're in Charlotte. If there's 12 bays, you recommend one camera in each bay and one for the pump room out front?

I'll do my own internet research but I presume this is a pretty significant capital investment. Anyone work with a security company?

 

[slash007]

I have 27 cameras at my 5 bay SS 2IBA wash. The more the better. I have one in each bay, cameras all round the perimeter, one in the ER, 2 in each IBA etc.

 

[tdlconceptsllc]

I have a 10 bay with 16 cameras on changers, safes, and equipment rooms

 

[fastlx]

Cameras, Signs and EXTRA BRIGHT lights. The more the better.

 

[Sequoia]

one camera in each bay and one for the pump room ....... I presume this is a pretty significant capital investment.

What is the cost to keep fixing everything? And what is the cost of losing customers who see evidence of burglary, then decide maybe this isn't the place they should come to for a car wash?

 

[KleanRide]

Thanks for the feedback, we're in Charlotte. If there's 12 bays, you recommend one camera in each bay and one for the pump room out front?

I'll do my own internet research but I presume this is a pretty significant capital investment. Anyone work with a security company?

I recently installed a system from Backstreet Surveillance and recommend them highly. Several others on this forum have also used them. Just know, though, that your camera system is only as good as your follow-through and the police response. If you don't make an effort to stop what you see on camera then it's a waste of money.

 

[MEP001]

If you can place cameras to see your equipment, you don't need one in every bay, but it sure is nice to be able to watch the bays for loiterers, dumpers, mobile mechanics, etc.

 

[jack954]

put one in every bay for sure! and make sure they can be seen. i thought mine were obvious to see but i was wrong so i put up some signs under them that stick out from the wall (i will take and post a pick tomorrow). nice to have cameras to catch all the idiots, but better to have them as a deterrent. some people don’t care, but many will take their disrespect elsewhere

 

[washnvac]

Switch to $1 high security tokens, then you remove most of the quarters for which they are breaking into safes. If you remove the incentive, you will cut down on the attempts to break in. I dispense only $1 tokens on my five sites; this includes the auto cashiers. No validator break-ins, no safe break-ins, no validators strung. Easy solution to implement.

 

[boywonder]

32 4k 8mp camera setup less than $4k. Can read license plates real well. Thats cheap insurance.

 

[Sequoia]

it sure is nice to be able to watch the bays for loiterers, dumpers, mobile mechanics, etc.

I cant' imagine *not* having cameras. First thing I do each morning is review the overnight events at the car wash. Fortunately, the most frequent events are wildlife. And 2nd most frequent is a man who checks the vac area asphalt for changes. Every morning at 3am.

 

[MEP001]

And 2nd most frequent is a man who checks the vac area asphalt for changes. Every morning at 3am.

Mine is there at 6:30 am every day.

 

[jack954]

will never know how many dumpers, vandals, meth heads see the sign when they pull in and decide to go elsewhere. signs snd cameras to me are easily worth 10 times whatever i paid

 

[soapy]

Check out Lorex and Security Camera Kings camera systems. You could get a 4K 16 camera system with recorder for around $1000 last time I checked. Try to get a system with DOme cameras. I would put on in each bay and cover anywhere there is money. I would also look into modifying your lock system. I have always advised doing a layered lock system where money is involved. I always have at least on lock setup that covers the next lock.

 

[Mchas]

Cameras are well worth the $. Mine have paid for themselves many times over. Most recent was a huge truck that damaged my bay. Got licence plate and DOT number off cameras and contacted company and their insurance had to pay for the repairs which would have cost me a lot more than the cameras did. Not to mention being able to do quick checks once or twice a day.

 

[OurTown]

Just used our cameras today because someone dumped a four piece sectional sofa in the back this afternoon. Called the popo and within 40 minutes the dumpers came back to pick it up.

 

[soapy]

I just saw that Lorex has a 4K 16 dome camera system with DVR on sale this weekend for $999. I have had several of their systems installed for over 5 years and never had a problem.

 

[Waxman]

I just saw that Lorex has a 4K 16 dome camera system with DVR on sale this weekend for $999. I have had several of their systems installed for over 5 years and never had a problem.

Can you view it on your phone?