Self storage units are popular. People rave about the valuable benefits of keeping your stuff at a storage facility. According to an estimate, around 2.28 per cent of the people were using a self storage unit in the UK, while 6.19 per cent were considering using it within the next 12 months.
With the increasing number of self storage users, concerns about self storage security are also rising. People renting a storage unit need to think to themselves “how often do storage units get broken into?” This is an important concern for the self storage business as well.
This guide focuses on self storage security and answers all your questions. Keep reading to explore some exciting insights.
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How Often Do Storage Units Get Broken Into?
Whether you are a customer or a self storage business owner, you need to know how often storage units get broken into to evaluate self storage security. Some storage units are more prone to theft and burglaries than others. Such storage facilities do not have efficient security systems, making them attractive to thieves.
On the other hand, storage units with adequate security measures are safe from break-ins. Before renting a storage unit, you must inquire about the risk and frequency of break-ins at that particular storage facility.
Common Types of Burglaries at a Self Storage Unit
Before you look for tips to secure your storage unit, you must know the types of threats that exist. The following are the two most common types of burglaries that may happen at a storage facility. You must keep an eye on them and take measures accordingly to prevent them.
Lock Cutting
This is probably the most common and easiest type of burglary at a storage house. As the name refers, the thieves cut the lock of a storage unit to gain unauthorised access to your belongings. They deprive the storage unit holders of their valuable items and silently get away with the theft.
This type of theft often occurs at storage facilities with an inefficient monitoring system of security measures such as CCTV cameras and self storage software for remote control.
Going through Units
In this type of burglary, a person rents a storage unit as a regular customer and uses it to access other storage units illegally. The burglar may cut through the walls or go over them to access storage units that are not frequently visited. They steal the items and proceed to the other storage unit.
This type of burglary goes unnoticed for a long time since no lock is broken. Good surveillance cameras and efficient monitoring systems can prevent this type of burglary.
How Do You Keep Thieves out of Storage Units? Tips for Businesses
If you want to maintain a profitable self storage business and build a strong customer base, you need to make security your priority. Here are some tried and tested tips that all successful self storage businesses follow to create a safe storage facility for customers.
Foolproof Fencing
The first step to a secure storage facility is a secure point of entry for customers, which is a visual warning for burglars. You can opt for any modern access system that integrates with your self storage software, but if the fencing is your weak point, you’re falling short.
If your storage facility has multiple points of entry, ensure there’s security on all of them. You must monitor every individual and vehicle entering and leaving the facility. This allows you to stop unauthorised access right at the entrance.
An automated self storage management system streamlines the point of entry security by keeping a record of entrants. They even allow you to control who can enter the facility and who cannot.
CCTV Cameras
This is more of a must-have feature rather than an add-on to your security system. CCTV cameras allow round-the-clock monitoring of the entire storage facility right in front of your screen. The advanced technology helps you spot security issues quicker so that you can take necessary measures to resolve them.
They offer remote access to your storage facility so that you can keep an eye on it even when you are not present at the facility. Once you have installed CCTV cameras, do not forget to upgrade them timely so ensure the best security.
Effective Lock System
It’s a no-brainer that your self storage facility and each storage unit in it needs an effective lock system. They are crucial for the overall security of the storage facility as well as the safety of the belongings of your customers. Opt for a smart lock system instead of the traditional padlocks that are easy to cut off.
Disc locks and cylinder locks and latch systems are also popular safe types of lock. The better the lock system, the better impression your customers will get and resultantly, you can build a better image in front of your customers.
How Can I Make My Storage Unit More Secure? Tips for Customers
The security of a storage unit is an important concern that you must consider as a customer. To keep your belongings safe in a storage unit, you must ensure that your storage unit is secure. Here are some practical and effective tips to ensure the security of your belongings.
Choose a Secure Facility
The first step to a secure storage unit is a secure storage facility. Choose a self storage business wisely after analysing its security arrangements. Visit the facility at different times of the day to examine its security system. Don’t forget to visit it at night to see if there is adequate lighting.
Ask the owner or the manager about the security measures they take to keep your units secure. Also, ask them how often storage units get broken into and who is responsible for the resulting loss.
The ideal storage facility must have 24/7 surveillance, an integrated alarm system, reliable self storage software for remote management and restricted access to the facility.
It’s probably correct to assume that if the facility has their self storage marketing on point, they also invest into their security.
Use the Strongest Locks
Many storage facilities allow customers to use their own locks or choose them themselves. In either situation, you must choose the strongest lock that can protect your storage unit. A disc lock is considered secure compared to common types of padlocks.
Avoid using locks with long shackles, as they are easy to cut using a bolt cutter. Whatever lock you choose, keep the access to yourself only. Avoid handing over the key to someone else, as it is easy to duplicate keys and break into a storage unit without breaking the lock.
Visit Your Storage Unit Often
Burglars often break into storage units that are locked for a long time, when the owner does not visit the storage unit often. This creates an opportunity for them to steal valuable items without getting noticed for a long time.
Experts advise visiting your storage unit at least once a month to make it secure. Do not follow a regular pattern of visiting, such as at the end of the month or Sundays. Instead, plan sudden visits at varying times of the day. This keeps burglars away from your storage unit and enhances its security.
List Down Your Inventory
This security measure may not seem to secure your storage unit, but it keeps you updated. People often do not notice their belongings slowly being stolen out of their storage units until it’s too late. How would you know which items are missing unless you keep a record of items in your storage unit?
Therefore, it is better to list your inventory and check it every time you visit your storage unit. A pro tip is to label all boxes so that it is easier to check if everything is in its place. You may also take a picture of the storage unit and match it with the previous one.
Store Valuables at the Back
Although it is recommended not to store valuables such as money or jewellery in a storage unit, you may still have some items more valuable than others. Place such items at the back of the storage unit. You can also consider placing them inside something bigger such as a cupboard or drawers of the table.
This is an effective tip to save your most valuable items from “cash and grab theft”. This refers to the type of burglary where thieves quickly steal whatever looks the most valuable at a glance.
Automate Self Storage Management
The security of self storage units is a crucial issue both for customers and businesses. You must take the necessary measures to maintain it. The practical tips discussed in the blog can help you ensure security of your storage unit.
As a self storage business, Automating self storage facility operations management can eliminate lots of storage security problems. You do not even need to worry about how often storage units get broken into when yours is secure under 24/7 surveillance. Choose a trusted self storage management software and enjoy a secure self storage experience.
