Your warehouses and distribution centers stand at the core of your business operations, housing valuable products in one central location. Yet, these facilities are also prime targets for both cargo theft and storeroom burglary.

 “CargoNet, which tracks voluntarily reported cargo thefts, said there were 566 incidents in the U.S. and 16 in Canada in the second quarter last year, a 57% year-over-year increase. The majority of cargo thefts in the second quarter of 2023 occurred near warehouses and distribution centers, along with unsecured parking lots and company truck yards and premises, according to both Overhaul and CargoNet.”

Traditional security measures, while effective to a degree, often fall short in providing comprehensive protection. From vulnerable entry points to internal theft by employees, safeguarding your warehouse and parking area requires a multifaceted approach.

In the News: Mission RCMP is investigating a “sophisticated” break-in at a warehouse complex near Gill Avenue at 3:45 a.m. on Sept. 11. A pair of one-ton cube vans were repainted black and used in the break-in by a group of alleged thieves. Police say the break-in was targeting a business in the warehouse complex. Both vehicles were found burned in Silverdale on Wolfe Street an hour later. Mission City Record

In this blog, we delve into the challenges faced by warehouse security and how you as a warehouse manager, or business owner, can implement security technology that best protects your business.

Challenges in Warehouse Security

Warehouses and distribution centers pose unique challenges for security due to their expansive layouts and multiple entry points. Traditional security systems, relying solely on motion sensors and door alarms, struggle to provide adequate coverage, leaving gaps that opportunistic thieves exploit. In addition, internal theft by employees presents a significant threat, requiring specialized measures to detect and deter such behavior.

Coverage must extend to the warehouse yard, a target for cargo thieves aiming to steal full truckloads, as well as pilferage, which entails stealing smaller quantities of cargo and individual items from trucks.

Introducing Sonitrol's Warehouse Security Solutions

Recognizing the complex security needs of warehouses and distribution centers, Sonitrol offers a tailored solution designed to provide unparalleled protection. At the core of Sonitrol's approach lies its patented audio detection process, offering verified electronic security that significantly reduces false alarms. 

"Your monitoring staff heard this thief as he started to break into our facility. They dispatched RCMP, who responded in force and were on-site within 2 minutes." Phil Shafer, Enermax Mountain Manufacturing Ltd.

"I wanted to write this letter to let the world know that Sonitrol’s verified technology works. Please share this letter with anyone who is contemplating installing your verified systems. SonaVision works!" Brent Armstrong, Divisional Operations Manager, Westburne Electrical

By leveraging impact-activated audio sensors strategically placed throughout the facility, Sonitrol ensures floor-to-ceiling coverage, effectively eliminating blind spots.

Key Features of Sonitrol's Solution

• Verified Audio Intrusion Detection: Sonitrol's audio sensors detect and verify intrusions, triggering immediate responses to thwart theft attempts.
• Managed Access Control: Implementing access control systems ensures accountability among employees and restricts unauthorized entry into sensitive areas.
• Verified Video Surveillance: Sonitrol's Sonavision Solution integrates highly sensitive audio, motion, and heat controls to monitor both perimeter and interior spaces, enabling swift detection of suspicious activities.
• 24/7 Central Station Monitoring: With round-the-clock monitoring by trained professionals, Sonitrol provides continuous protection against external threats and internal theft.

Preventing Internal Theft

Internal theft by employees poses a significant threat to warehouse security. Sonitrol recommends the following measures to mitigate this risk effectively:

• Limit Access: Restrict access to warehouse and shipping areas, employing managed access control systems to monitor employee movements.
• Monitor CCTV Surveillance: Regularly monitor CCTV surveillance systems to deter theft and ensure timely detection of suspicious activities.
• Screen Employees: Conduct thorough background checks, including criminal history and employment verification, to identify high-risk applicants.
• Secure Valuable Items: Store high-value items in separate, secure areas with restricted access, minimizing the risk of theft.
• Promote Visibility: Foster positive relationships with employees and maintain a visible presence in the facility to deter theft and promote accountability.

Sonitrol's verified electronic security solutions, coupled with proactive measures to prevent internal theft, provide an unparalleled defense against theft and burglary. By implementing these strategies, you can safeguard your assets, minimize losses, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of your business operations. 

We're proud to serve the Warehouse and Distribution Centre industry.  Our sales, installation, service, and dependability all combine to provide you with the best long term commercial security solutions available.

✔️ We have served the Warehouse and Distribution industry for more than 50 years, and provide a program specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the Warehouse and Distribution industry.

✔️ Sonitrol implements technology and services that are not available anywhere else, built around our proprietary verified audio and video detection process and backed by a team of installation, service and monitoring professionals.

✔️ Sonitrol Western Canada offers strong local support, regionalized management teams (Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary), knowledge and resources to get the job done right.

Contact us for more information and to book an appointment for a no-obligation warehouse security assessment.