How Secure is Self Storage?
Self-storage is becoming increasingly popular in Australia with numerous companies opening branches countrywide. But is it a safe place to keep your belongings?
For many just encountering the industry, the answer isn’t obvious. It seems like it should be safe, but is it?
As you will discover in this post, the answer is complicated. Unfortunately, security levels depend on the self-storage firm you use. Some companies, like Stockade Storage, go the extra mile to protect your items, while others don’t.
Why Some People Worry About Self-Storage Security
Some people worry about self-storage security for several reasons.
Break-Ins
The primary concern is break-ins. Criminals see these facilities as ripe pickings for valuables.
Most reputable self-storage firms implement strict security measures. However, breaches can still occur.
Worse still, other customers can carry out thefts. Opportunistic thieves may see a chance to steal items inside a lock-up or return to get them later if they notice anything valuable.
Limited Insurance
Limited insurance is another concern. Customers sometimes worry they won’t ever recoup their losses if criminals steal their belongings. Liability limits might cap the amount self-storage insurers are willing to pay for lost items.
Document Storage
Finally, customers sometimes fear keeping sensitive documents on-site when using self-storage facilities. This issue is most concerning for businesses with data protection obligations.
Security Features You Want At Your Self-Storage Facility
The self-storage industry knows security is a challenge. Because of this, reputable firms don’t take chances. Instead, they put systems in place that make it hard or impossible for thieves to break in.
Here are some security features you should look for at your self-storage facility.
A High Fence
First, you want a storage facility with a high fence marking its boundary. These make it more challenging for unauthorised personnel to enter the site.
Don’t trust storage facilities that dump a load of containers in a field without a proper boundary. These services might be cheap, but they are also insecure.
For the record, Stockade Storage uses a six-foot steel security fence around its premises. This barrier makes it more challenging for criminals to breach the site and gain access to the storage sheds.
Continuous CCTV And Security Monitoring
You also want self-storage facilities to have continuous CCTV and security monitoring. Cameras should cover the entire facility (not just the entry points), providing real-time feeds to security teams.
The most advanced CCTV systems have AI-powered motion-detection sensors. These tell the difference between birds landing in facilities’ courtyards and people climbing over walls.
Stockage Storage operates a robust continuous CCTV security protocol with added monitoring. Video feeds monitor access routes and unit entryways, enabling rapid security responses.
Unit Alarms
Thirdly, look for self-storage companies offering alarmed units. These add an extra layer of security (similar to a car alarm) that alerts staff during a breach.
The security alarms your self-storage company uses should be sensitive. Systems must detect various entry attempt types, including door-forcing or cutting through side panels.
Stockage Storage operates individually alarmed units. These emit sound on a unit-by-unit basis, letting security staff know the precise location of the break-in incident.
Be wary of self-storage companies claiming to offer alarms. Double-check these alarms are on every unit, not just for the facility as a whole. Criminals may bypass perimeter security measures and have free rein once inside if self-storage firms do not install these security devices.
Vehicle Lockups
If you want to store vehicles at a self-storage facility, check whether it has dedicated vehicle lock-ups. These are specialist installations that provide additional layers of security to protect cars, motorbikes, vans, RVs, caravans, and motorboats.
These units often have thicker doors and better ventilation to prevent moisture build-up. Many are also larger, with drive-up access and on-site battery charging available in some instances. In short, these facilities should be heavy-duty, sufficient to protect valuable vehicles from being stolen.
Access Control
Finally, you want to pick a self-storage facility with access control. The compound should only admit customers and staff – no one else.
Most self-storage facilities have two layers of access control: one at the front reception, and another at the lock-up or unit. Customers must first sign in, writing the date and time of their arrival in a book or logging it on a computer. Then, staff should accompany them to their unit. Once they arrive, they should use a keycard or code to enter their storage lock-up and claim their items.
Self-storage firms that don’t operate procedures like these are taking risks. Property managers and site security teams should know who is on-site at any given time to protect other customers and employees. Keycards and codes should change whenever a new tenant occupies a unit.
How To Keep Your Belongings Safe When Using Self-Storage Facilities
Besides choosing a self-storage facility with advanced security features, what else can you do to keep your belongings safe when using these services? Here are some ideas:
Use High-Quality Locks
The best self-storage units will offer keycard or code access with locking mechanisms built into the door and frame of the unit. However, if your facility requires you to supply your own locks, choose something sturdy. A disc lock or hasp for your unit can stymie criminals trying to enter.
Keep An Inventory Of All Your Items
You should also write an inventory of all the items in the lock-up and their values. You can refer to this as evidence after a breach to secure the proper insurance payout.
Get Personal Insurance
Finally, you might consider purchasing personal insurance if you aren’t happy with the coverage provided by the self-storage company. The added protection gives you peace of mind.
So, How Secure Are Self-Storage Units?
Self-storage units are as secure as their owners intend them to be. The most secure lock-ups, like Stockade Storage, use several layers of protection to keep your belongings safe.
Avoid cheap services. While these are inexpensive, cost-cutting measures put your possessions at risk.
