Securing Cannabis Business Parking

Securing Cannabis Business Parking Areas

Since the parking lots of any business can become a target for crime, cannabis and other high-risk businesses must take special care to secure these areas. Parking areas are one of the most common areas where crime occurs and they are often difficult to secure. While some cannabis businesses, such as cultivation facilities and laboratories, may be able to control access to the parking area by fencing the perimeter and using a gate, most retailers will not have this option. Where access to the parking area is more accessible, cannabis businesses should focus on proactive security and safety measures to guard the premises. Regardless of business type, securing cannabis business parking areas is an important step in ensuring the success of the business.

Although cannabis regulations vary by state and locality, parking area safety and security is a frequent concern. Regulations regarding parking lot cameras, lighting, and signage are common, as well as prohibitions against loitering and consumption in parking areas. While many of the requirements may seem commonsense, cannabis business owners should adhere to them to ensure the compliance and success of their business. 

Quick Tips for Securing Parking Areas

  • Premises management is vital to ensuring the security of a parking area. Cannabis business owners should maintain the property by removing trash and graffiti and repairing any damages immediately upon discovery. It should be obvious to those who pass by that the property is being well-taken care of to discourage potential crime.
  • Cannabis business owners should not allow loitering on the premises and in the parking areas. Cannabis business owners should post signage on the perimeter of the parking lot to ensure all are aware that this is a prohibited action.
  • Ensure the entire parking lot has adequate lighting to accommodate video surveillance and patrols by security personnel. Areas with inadequate lighting have the potential to attract crime, so cannabis business owners should ensure the parking area is well-lit during hours of darkness.
  • Post signage in parking areas reminding employees and customers to lock their vehicles and to keep any valuables out of sight.
  • If the business has security personnel, have them patrol the parking lot frequently on a schedule that does not follow a specific pattern. This prevents potential criminals from avoiding detection by patrolling security guards.
  • Have security personnel escort employees and customers to their vehicles in the parking area during hours of darkness. 
  • Install video surveillance cameras in the parking areas that are able to capture facial details as well as license plates and vehicle identification. Video cameras are not only useful after a crime has occurred, and signage alerting those on the property that they are being recorded can also proactively prevent crime.
  • Have a security expert perform a security risk assessment of the entire business, including the parking area. A security expert is likely to identify potential risks in the parking lot or other areas of the premises that could make the business vulnerable to crime or losses.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of experts and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have conducted risk assessments for high-risk businesses, including dispensaries, pawn shops, jewelry stores, and other businesses. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!