Break-ins hit vehicle dealerships hard.

When thieves get in, they often have destruction in mind as well as theft. They’ll smash windows and workshops to get to cash, tools and anything else of value (not to mention the vehicles themselves). The resulting financial hit comes from damage bills and increased insurance premiums as well as the goods taken.

Auto dealership security that is high-tech and highly reliable is non-negotiable if you want to protect your property and the sustainability of your business. From ‘smarter’ fences to instant alerts and AI-supported technology, you need multiple layers working together.

Auto dealership security systems in Australia: five important steps

• Install security that will notify you as soon as someone’s on the fence line.
• Use AI-optimised CCTV to see what’s actually going on when an alert comes through.
• Think about indoor fog protection if it suits your site.
• Be careful about who can access keys and valuables at all times.
• Test your setup regularly and request a review from an expert team

Catch them at the fence

Thieves have been known to take up to a dozen or more vehicles from car yards at a time, often looking to strip them and sell them for parts. They act fast and will use the vehicles as part of their escape strategy, which is why catching them at the perimeter is your priority.

First, check your premises and identify any weaknesses in your fence as well as the spots that can’t be seen from the road which may provide break-and-enter opportunities. Invest in a fence that is sturdy and difficult to scale as your initial line of defence.

The next is to make sure thieves are deterred and your security monitors are notified at the first sign something is wrong.

Smokeshield’s Fence Alert clips sensor cable onto your dealership fence, and picks up cutting, climbing, shaking and impact. Once vibration is registered, a signal is triggered that can set off an alarm and alert the relevant stakeholders, whether you have on-site security, off-site monitoring or the support of a mobile patrol.

Make your cameras pull their weight

Fence Alert works without the need for cameras, but having this technology is your backup.

Place cameras strategically and make sure they’re not blocked by larger vehicles. Cover entrances in the back and front, exit points and your office and workshop. Check out the footage periodically to make sure there isn’t glare from sun or street lights interrupting the quality.

CCTV cameras are smart enough to respond to an incident, not just record it, and leverage AI to know the difference between a possum or tree branch and a person so the alarm can be raised.

Reduce indoor visibility

UR Fog Security fills a protected space with thick fog, so thieves can't see what they’re after and they panic. This form of security can be used in dealership showrooms, parts rooms, offices and workshops to reduce the amount of theft and damage during a break-in.

Take a look at a motorbike and power tools dealership case study. Before installing fog security, the business unfortunately lost over $200,000 worth of stock in just five minutes. Five fog units were installed alongside CCTV, monitoring and AI intrusion protection, to reduce visibility in a matter of seconds and prevent a similar incident from occurring. The units require no clean up after being activated, leave no residue and do not require any action after an incident.

Follow procedures and stay alert

Auto dealership security needs to happen 24/7 as there is always the risk of an inside-job, or a thief posing as a customer.

• Keep all vehicle keys securely stored, with controlled access and a sign-out log. Count them at close, including spares and customer keys.
• Make sure public areas are separate from the workshop and parts storage. Give people access that fits their job, cancel credentials as soon as someone leaves, and keep tabs on contractors.
• Lock up tools and parts. Jot down serial numbers and keep your stock register up to date, so you’ll know straight away if something walks.