Parking lot security for trucks - Threatened by ex-contractor
March 1, 2013 11:50 AM Subscribe
A former contractor for a small business I'm involved in has told an employee he plans to sabotage the business' 5 trucks, possibly pouring chemicals in the gas tanks. Advice on the best methods and devices to try to prevent this would be very appreciated.
I don't know how genuine this threat is, but I'd like to take whatever precautions I can to prevent this act obviously, as it could result in serious injury to our employees and/or damage to property (less important, but still important -- no trucks means no jobs for 25 dudes).
I did already contact the police which have an open case on this guy due to his assaulting one of our employees a few weeks ago. The detective on the case told us that they can't act until he actually does something, but did advise we put up cameras in the lot.
Cameras are tough, however, because
1. There aren't great spots to put the cameras; no buildings around or anything like that. Only a couple trees, which could possibly work, but isn't ideal.
2. There's no good spot to place the receiver
3. There's no good power source.
I understand there are "all-in-one" battery powered cameras that don't require a receiver or wired power source. Any recommendations on those?
Also, what are some other good security alternatives? Here are some ideas I had. Other ideas and feedback would be greatly appreciated.
-Fuel tank locks -- We are planning on getting these from here: http://www.fueltanklock.com/en/gas-theft.aspx
Seems like a good solution, though it worries me that he could fill the keyhole with superglue or something. Still, better than the truck blowing up certainly...
-If real video cameras aren't feasible, perhaps fake ones
-Or, a camera that takes a photo with a bright flash upon detecting motion at night. I'm guessing nothing like this exists, however. In which case, a mere motion-detecting flash would perhaps suffice, giving the impression a photo was taken.
Lastly, we are also looking at other parking lot options with fences or the option to install a fence, however I've had trouble finding a whole lot through craigslist and google searches. If anyone has recommendations on shopping for commercial parking solutions, please let me know!
thanks!
I don't know how genuine this threat is, but I'd like to take whatever precautions I can to prevent this act obviously, as it could result in serious injury to our employees and/or damage to property (less important, but still important -- no trucks means no jobs for 25 dudes).
I did already contact the police which have an open case on this guy due to his assaulting one of our employees a few weeks ago. The detective on the case told us that they can't act until he actually does something, but did advise we put up cameras in the lot.
Cameras are tough, however, because
1. There aren't great spots to put the cameras; no buildings around or anything like that. Only a couple trees, which could possibly work, but isn't ideal.
2. There's no good spot to place the receiver
3. There's no good power source.
I understand there are "all-in-one" battery powered cameras that don't require a receiver or wired power source. Any recommendations on those?
Also, what are some other good security alternatives? Here are some ideas I had. Other ideas and feedback would be greatly appreciated.
-Fuel tank locks -- We are planning on getting these from here: http://www.fueltanklock.com/en/gas-theft.aspx
Seems like a good solution, though it worries me that he could fill the keyhole with superglue or something. Still, better than the truck blowing up certainly...
-If real video cameras aren't feasible, perhaps fake ones
-Or, a camera that takes a photo with a bright flash upon detecting motion at night. I'm guessing nothing like this exists, however. In which case, a mere motion-detecting flash would perhaps suffice, giving the impression a photo was taken.
Lastly, we are also looking at other parking lot options with fences or the option to install a fence, however I've had trouble finding a whole lot through craigslist and google searches. If anyone has recommendations on shopping for commercial parking solutions, please let me know!
thanks!
There are definitely cameras that take flash photos upon sensing movement — animal researchers use them. No idea if they're readily available or how much they cost though.
posted by brentajones at 11:57 AM on March 1, 2013
posted by brentajones at 11:57 AM on March 1, 2013
If he's threatened the business, go to court and request a temporary restraining order. Your employee heard the threat. I can imagine that it wouldn't be impossible to get such an order. I'm not a lawyer, but it seems like that's what they're supposed to do, protect against people who have threatened/have harmed you.
posted by inturnaround at 11:59 AM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by inturnaround at 11:59 AM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
The detective on the case told us that they can't act until he actually does something
That may be true. Based on what you've said, though, you may be able to get a judge to issue an order that this person stay away from the premises. That might dissuade him, and it would certainly up the ante if not.
My experience has more often involved home security than workplace security, but in the former context, every expert I've heard talk always starts with the same first recommendation: lighting. The recommendation is usually to set up external lighting on points of entry, but obviously in your case it would be on the trucks. The underlying principle, obviously, is to prevent rather than catch.
posted by cribcage at 12:03 PM on March 1, 2013
That may be true. Based on what you've said, though, you may be able to get a judge to issue an order that this person stay away from the premises. That might dissuade him, and it would certainly up the ante if not.
My experience has more often involved home security than workplace security, but in the former context, every expert I've heard talk always starts with the same first recommendation: lighting. The recommendation is usually to set up external lighting on points of entry, but obviously in your case it would be on the trucks. The underlying principle, obviously, is to prevent rather than catch.
posted by cribcage at 12:03 PM on March 1, 2013
I think you may be overthinking this. Just get locking gas caps from the local auto supply store (Autozone, O'Reilly, etc).
If the trucks do get damaged, you have a witness (your employee) to testify that the genius mastermind threatened to damage the trucks.
posted by zippy at 12:07 PM on March 1, 2013
If the trucks do get damaged, you have a witness (your employee) to testify that the genius mastermind threatened to damage the trucks.
posted by zippy at 12:07 PM on March 1, 2013
A former contractor for a small business I'm involved in has told an employee he plans to sabotage the business' 5 trucks, possibly pouring chemicals in the gas tanks.
...
I did already contact the police which have an open case on this guy due to his assaulting one of our employees a few weeks ago. The detective on the case told us that they can't act until he actually does something, but did advise we put up cameras in the lot.
I'd be willing to bet that the contractor knows all this and doesn't actually plan on doing anything -- doing so would mean prison time, flat out, especially with a prior threat -- but he really wants you to undergo all kinds of costly and inconvenient modifications and procedures to prevent his threat from coming true.
However, I don't know that I'd be willing to bet much on it, and doing nothing may well force him to up the ante and actually sabotage you. So take a few visible (albeit cheap) steps, and he'll be satisfied that he's extracted his pound of flesh, even if he doesn't get to keep the flesh.
posted by Etrigan at 12:08 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
...
I did already contact the police which have an open case on this guy due to his assaulting one of our employees a few weeks ago. The detective on the case told us that they can't act until he actually does something, but did advise we put up cameras in the lot.
I'd be willing to bet that the contractor knows all this and doesn't actually plan on doing anything -- doing so would mean prison time, flat out, especially with a prior threat -- but he really wants you to undergo all kinds of costly and inconvenient modifications and procedures to prevent his threat from coming true.
However, I don't know that I'd be willing to bet much on it, and doing nothing may well force him to up the ante and actually sabotage you. So take a few visible (albeit cheap) steps, and he'll be satisfied that he's extracted his pound of flesh, even if he doesn't get to keep the flesh.
posted by Etrigan at 12:08 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
Maybe get a lawyer to send a strongly-worded letter to this fellow? The letter doesn't necessarily have to cite any laws or whatever, but the implied threat might deter him.
posted by KokuRyu at 12:10 PM on March 1, 2013
posted by KokuRyu at 12:10 PM on March 1, 2013
There are definitely cameras that take flash photos upon sensing movement — animal researchers use them. No idea if they're readily available or how much they cost though.
Commonly called game cams or trail cams. They are marketed to hunters now and can be had starting around $100. You would need one with a white flash (as opposed to a non-visible infrared flash). They are generally made to be attached to trees, but the range is not huge (25ft or so).
posted by ssg at 12:14 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
Commonly called game cams or trail cams. They are marketed to hunters now and can be had starting around $100. You would need one with a white flash (as opposed to a non-visible infrared flash). They are generally made to be attached to trees, but the range is not huge (25ft or so).
posted by ssg at 12:14 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
Locking gas caps are pretty worthless fwiw. Our gas gets siphoned from our work rigs regularly and the people doing it are not foiled by those at all.
posted by fshgrl at 12:15 PM on March 1, 2013
posted by fshgrl at 12:15 PM on March 1, 2013
I'd do a combination of things.
1. Battery operated motion sensor lights in each truck.
2. Dashboard cams in each truck, (set up on motion detectors, with night vision)
3. Hire a guy to hang out on-site in a camper nights and weekends. (if this is feasible.)
4. Lovable but scary looking guard-dog.
A multi-pronged effort might be the way to go.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:29 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
1. Battery operated motion sensor lights in each truck.
2. Dashboard cams in each truck, (set up on motion detectors, with night vision)
3. Hire a guy to hang out on-site in a camper nights and weekends. (if this is feasible.)
4. Lovable but scary looking guard-dog.
A multi-pronged effort might be the way to go.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 12:29 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
Call your insurance company and make sure this is a covered event. Transfer the risk.
posted by bfranklin at 12:30 PM on March 1, 2013 [5 favorites]
posted by bfranklin at 12:30 PM on March 1, 2013 [5 favorites]
Response by poster: @ssg and others -- do these look like decent camera options?:
cam1
cam2
cam3
here's a game cam I found (i don't see infrared or invisible flash marked anywhere, so I'm assuming it's a white one, but I'm not positive)
cam4
@fshgrl - why are the gas caps worthless? thieves just pry them off?
thank you!
posted by jcfudgely at 12:32 PM on March 1, 2013
cam1
cam2
cam3
here's a game cam I found (i don't see infrared or invisible flash marked anywhere, so I'm assuming it's a white one, but I'm not positive)
cam4
@fshgrl - why are the gas caps worthless? thieves just pry them off?
thank you!
posted by jcfudgely at 12:32 PM on March 1, 2013
Also, call a company that retails tamper evident seals. Get a roll appropriate for the plastic your gas cap is made of. Replace as necessary until the roll runs out. $15 roll, or so, plus siphoning out a tank of gas if someone tampers with the seal.
Cheaper than investing in the cameras while you see if the threat is realistic.
posted by bfranklin at 12:34 PM on March 1, 2013 [7 favorites]
Cheaper than investing in the cameras while you see if the threat is realistic.
posted by bfranklin at 12:34 PM on March 1, 2013 [7 favorites]
Guard dogs.
Also, hire an investigator (or off-duty cop) to stake-out the trucks for a couple weeks.
posted by Thorzdad at 12:55 PM on March 1, 2013
Also, hire an investigator (or off-duty cop) to stake-out the trucks for a couple weeks.
posted by Thorzdad at 12:55 PM on March 1, 2013
ssg and others -- do these look like decent camera options?:
No, those are all infrared (or without any illumination). Look for one that has a strobe flash.
posted by ssg at 12:56 PM on March 1, 2013
No, those are all infrared (or without any illumination). Look for one that has a strobe flash.
posted by ssg at 12:56 PM on March 1, 2013
4. Lovable but scary looking guard-dog.
Please do not do this. Dogs are pack animals that belong with a family. Dogs who live in lots as protection, alone all night every night, are not happy dogs.
posted by Glinn at 1:07 PM on March 1, 2013 [8 favorites]
Please do not do this. Dogs are pack animals that belong with a family. Dogs who live in lots as protection, alone all night every night, are not happy dogs.
posted by Glinn at 1:07 PM on March 1, 2013 [8 favorites]
Even a person with the most rudimentary lockpicking skills can open locking gas caps.
Source: I have the most rudimentary lockpicking skills imaginable and when a friend had his jacket and keys stolen, I picked the lock on his gas cap in seconds with a paper clip and Swiss Army Knife screwdriver.
posted by TungstenChef at 1:22 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
Source: I have the most rudimentary lockpicking skills imaginable and when a friend had his jacket and keys stolen, I picked the lock on his gas cap in seconds with a paper clip and Swiss Army Knife screwdriver.
posted by TungstenChef at 1:22 PM on March 1, 2013 [1 favorite]
(He had a real locksmith come out to unlock his truck doors and make him a copy of the key, but forgot that the gas cap had its own lock until we were on our way home and running out of gas.)
posted by TungstenChef at 1:24 PM on March 1, 2013
posted by TungstenChef at 1:24 PM on March 1, 2013
Game cameras are cheap and work pretty well, but can be somewhat difficult to secure effectively. I cable lock mine, but the cameras are made of plastic so the cable loop isn't exactly indestructible. Piles of options. I have a Moultrie M80xt which I really like. Cost is around $125. Battery life is excellent, you can take pictures or video with audio. It uses an infrared flash which is pretty much invisible, which doesn't make for much of a deterrent but would likely cause someone to not notice that they're being watched. Range is advertised at around 50' but that's probably a bit of a stretch. Pretty much all of these use PIR sensors which depend on disparity between air temp and body temp for sensitivity -- the greater the difference, the more sensitive they generally are (with the caveat that if it's extremely cold the battery voltage will drop and they will be less responsive).
Personally, I would be inclined to get a couple of game cameras, place them carefully, record video, and check them each morning before using the trucks.
I have 5 different game cameras, mostly Moultrie. The M80xt is my newest and best. It's small and very stealthy, I think it would work well for you, but based on reviews my next camera will be a Bushnell X-8.
Another random idea is solar rechargeable motion lights as a deterrent.
posted by LowellLarson at 1:59 PM on March 1, 2013
Personally, I would be inclined to get a couple of game cameras, place them carefully, record video, and check them each morning before using the trucks.
I have 5 different game cameras, mostly Moultrie. The M80xt is my newest and best. It's small and very stealthy, I think it would work well for you, but based on reviews my next camera will be a Bushnell X-8.
Another random idea is solar rechargeable motion lights as a deterrent.
posted by LowellLarson at 1:59 PM on March 1, 2013
The game cameras sound good, but make sure you've got them secured in ways and locations that it'd be tough to interfere with them: cable locks like LowellLarson suggest, yes, but also consider WHERE you install them.... looking outward through building windows, high enough to be out of easy reach in a tree, in not-obvious locations generally. And maybe put up a few of those fake security cameras here and there in addition to the game cameras: cheap but effective, and would also distract from the REAL cameras.
Way up at the top of this thread, tilde suggested having the employees park the trucks at home or some other secured location, which sounds like a good plan: maybe ask another business if you can park on their lot for a little while. And if you don't already have a good solid security fence with a locking gate, look into getting one --- expensive, but maybe worth it as a long-term solution.
posted by easily confused at 3:19 PM on March 1, 2013
Way up at the top of this thread, tilde suggested having the employees park the trucks at home or some other secured location, which sounds like a good plan: maybe ask another business if you can park on their lot for a little while. And if you don't already have a good solid security fence with a locking gate, look into getting one --- expensive, but maybe worth it as a long-term solution.
posted by easily confused at 3:19 PM on March 1, 2013
If your employee still has contact with this guy sometimes, maybe he can casually mention that security cameras have been installed and the police notified? Could make him think twice or at least feel all satisfied with his "job well done" of getting under your skin.
posted by orme at 3:29 PM on March 1, 2013
posted by orme at 3:29 PM on March 1, 2013
If it's the prevention of trouble (and expense) you're looking to avoid in the first place, you (or an attorney, as KokuRyu suggests) might consider telling the contractor (and his boss, if he has one) in writing that you and the police know of his plans, and that if anything happens to your trucks--anything--you will assume that he's behind it.
posted by Rykey at 4:49 PM on March 1, 2013
posted by Rykey at 4:49 PM on March 1, 2013
note: gas caps are just to delay the guy from doing damage while the watchman finds him and shoos him off.
posted by davejay at 7:22 PM on March 1, 2013
posted by davejay at 7:22 PM on March 1, 2013
Response by poster: Thank you very much for your input everyone. We're installing motion sensor lights, gas cap locks, and a couple game cameras. We also were able to get a protective order granted. Hopefully with all this he'll stay away!
posted by jcfudgely at 6:06 PM on March 4, 2013
posted by jcfudgely at 6:06 PM on March 4, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by tilde at 11:54 AM on March 1, 2013 [3 favorites]