Self-storage is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, with more than 50,000 facilities across the country and an estimated 27 million individual units available for rent. Yet, while convenience and affordability have fueled this sector’s rapid growth, they’ve also made self-storage properties increasingly attractive to criminals. Recent industry discussions—like those featured in Inside Self Storage and Modern Storage Media—suggest theft and break-ins are on the rise, with perpetrators exploiting everything from outdated locks to “blind-spot” surveillance. If you’re a self-storage owner or operator, here’s what you need to know about the growing threat—and how you can proactively prevent costly and potentially reputation-damaging incidents.
One reason self-storage facilities are so appealing to criminals is their typically minimal staffing. A handful of employees might be responsible for monitoring hundreds of units scattered over a large property—often on the outskirts of town. This lack of constant oversight creates multiple vulnerabilities, providing thieves ample time to survey the area and attempt break-ins.
As noted in Modern Storage Media, even if criminals break into multiple units during the same incident, it’s often recorded as a single burglary under the “hotel rule” used by law enforcement. This can mean official crime stats fail to reflect the true magnitude of self-storage theft—and may inadvertently encourage criminals who see an opening in enforcement or reporting gaps.
From simple padlocks that can be cut to roll-up doors that can be pried open with relative ease, many facilities rely on older, simpler forms of security. Understaffed nights and weekends—plus 24-hour tenant access—add another layer of vulnerability. When you combine this with minimal or outdated camera systems, criminals can often operate undetected for hours before anyone even knows there’s been a break-in.
Unlike a residential neighborhood where neighbors quickly notice suspicious activity, self-storage locations are rarely filled with watchful eyes. Other tenants might come and go without reporting odd behavior, assuming it’s none of their business. In many cases, by the time someone suspects a break-in, the thieves are long gone.
It’s not just the physical property or belongings that take a hit when thieves target self-storage sites. Each incident comes with hidden costs:
The good news? Self-storage owners and operators can take robust steps to make their facilities far less enticing to criminals.
Even with reinforced fences and top-tier lighting, many facilities still rely on outdated or purely reactive surveillance systems. Hakimo offers a modern, proactive approach to security, leveraging AI-powered remote guarding to spot intrusions—and stop them—before they escalate.
Instead of depending on staff to watch every camera feed around the clock, Hakimo’s analytics automatically monitor video for suspicious behavior—like someone forcing a door open or lingering by a row of units after hours. When the system flags a potential threat, it immediately sends real-time alerts to designated security personnel.
A standout feature of Hakimo’s solution is Auto Talkdown—a live or recorded audio warning broadcast through on-site speakers. The moment suspicious activity is detected, the system can announce: “You are being watched. Security and law enforcement have been notified.” This rapid, direct deterrent often prompts intruders to flee before they can do any damage.
AI filters out common non-threatening scenarios—like tenants moving items late at night—so staff aren’t overloaded with false positives. This leaves operators free to focus on genuine threats, boosting efficiency and cutting down on unnecessary emergency calls.
Hiring full-time, on-site security is often cost-prohibitive for self-storage owners. Hakimo’s remote guarding provides around-the-clock surveillance at a fraction of the cost of permanent guards. With cameras that never sleep and automated alerts that arrive in seconds, you’ll significantly reduce the window of opportunity for criminals.
As Inside Self Storage and Modern Storage Media reports make clear, theft at self-storage properties is no longer a minor, sporadic issue—operators nationwide must stay vigilant to stay profitable. Criminals have grown more organized, and a single break-in can impact dozens of units, driving away tenant confidence and fueling negative press.
A proactive stance—combining robust physical security, employee training, and intelligent monitoring technology—is the key to protecting tenants’ property, your bottom line, and the reputation of your business. Hakimo’s AI-driven remote guarding platform adds a new layer of active deterrence that catches thieves in the act and warns them off, mitigating losses and safeguarding peace of mind for both owners and renters.
Don’t let your self-storage facility remain an easy target. Modernize your defenses with cutting-edge AI and real-time response solutions. Learn more about how Hakimo can help you prevent the next break-in and maintain a safe, successful operation. Reach out today to schedule a demo or to discuss your specific security needs.
Subscribe to receive the latest news, resources, and announcements. We won’t bug you with unnecessary emails, just the ones that help shape the future of physical security.
