Walk into any bank and you’re greeted by a familiar scene: tellers behind neat counters, quiet offices where people can apply for loans or open accounts, and the low buzz of business as usual. It’s a place that feels safe and secure, designed to protect the money and personal information entrusted to it. But what many don’t realize is that a bank’s security doesn’t start at the vault or even the teller line—it begins the moment you step onto the property. 

Tellers often steal the spotlight when it comes to security—after all, they are the frontlines of cash handling and customer interaction. But while the focus is often on securing the inside of a bank, it's equally important to consider the role that parking lot security plays in safeguarding bank operations and personnel. The parking lot is the true first line of defense, playing a vital role in keeping both customers and employees safe from potential threats before they even walk through the front doors.

Bank Robberies: A Long Love Affair

Bank robbery is a crime that has long captured public fascination. From notorious figures like Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy, and John Dillinger to modern stories like Gilbert Galvan—Canada’s most prolific bank robber who hit 59 banks in 5 years—have inspired countless movies and media portrayals over the decades.

The FBI has been tracking bank robberies and other crimes in the U.S. since the 1930s. It seems logical that robbery would become less lucrative (and thus less attractive) in our increasingly cashless society, and to an extent, this is true. Bank robberies have decreased by 40% over the last decade after peaking in 1991 with 9,388 incidents in a single year.

Still, the U.S. sees approximately 3,000 bank robberies each year with an average of $4,330 stolen per hit. Robberies are more likely to occur for financial institutions in urban areas (compared to rural regions) thanks to higher population densities, with Fridays being the most popular day of the week to knock over a bank. TGIF? In this case, maybe not so much.

Movies often portray bank robberies as elaborate heists executed by master criminals, but the reality is far less dramatic. Once inside, these perpetrators aim to complete their crime as quickly as possible, knowing that law enforcement is likely already on the way. Most bank robberies involve someone simply going up to a teller and demanding money and last less than two minutes. Success comes from getting in and getting out quick.

In 2021, around 85% of bank robberies occurred at the teller’s counter. The majority involved either a written note or a verbal demand, but some still used the threat of a weapon. In fact, firearms are used in about 36.4% of bank robberies, while strong-arm tactics are employed in 44.8% of cases, making them highly stressful and potentially dangerous for everyone involved. 

The Overlooked Connection: Parking Lot Security and Robbery Prevention

Bank robberies begin and end in the parking lot. Criminals use the parking lot to scout the bank, wait for an opportune moment, or make their getaway. Without proper surveillance and deterrence in these areas, banks are at a higher risk of being targeted. On the other hand, a secure parking lot with visible cameras, bright lighting, and regular monitoring dissuades would-be criminals from even thinking about attempting something.

Mobile security units offer advanced monitoring, real-time alerts, unrivaled flexibility, and deterrence features all for a very cost effective price. Equipped with high-definition cameras and motion detectors, these units can see in any conditions, day or night. 

When motion or suspicious activity is detected, these units send instant alerts to security teams, enabling swift action. Because they aren’t tethered to a power source, these self-powered cameras can easily be repositioned as needed, making parking lot surveillance flexible and adaptive. With three pan-tilt-zoom cameras capable of 32x zoom, these units can see up to 400 feet away, giving law enforcement "eyes" in areas they can’t physically cover at all times. 

But these cameras do more than just watch; they can actually step in if suspicious activity escalates. With loudspeakers and smart analytics, the cameras can detect abnormal patterns and trigger alarms with flashing lights. The units also speak to potential perpetrators and warn them that law enforcement has been notified. 

Armed with AI

Technology continues to revolutionize the way we approach security, and AI-powered cameras are leading the charge. As mentioned earlier, these advanced systems don’t just record footage—they analyze it in real-time, identifying potential threats and automatically alerting security personnel.

Unlike their traditional static counterparts, AI-powered cameras can distinguish between routine activity and suspicious behavior. For instance, they can detect if someone is loitering near a bank employee’s car or attempting to tamper with a customer’s vehicle. These cameras provide a comprehensive view of the parking lot, ensuring that no blind spots go unnoticed. 

Even with AI though, parking lot security doesn’t exist in isolation. By integrating outdoor surveillance with indoor camera systems, banks can create a seamless security experience. For example, indoor and outdoor cameras can share a single monitoring platform, enabling security teams to track suspects across different areas. Notifications from both systems can be sent to a single dashboard, ensuring no detail is missed. And if a robbery does occur, parking lot footage can help identify suspects and track their movements before and after the crime.

Security Beyond the Vault

Investing in parking lot security isn’t just about preventing crime—it’s about protecting your people, your assets, and your reputation. Mobile security units with AI-powered cameras reduce incidents of loitering and theft, leaving employees feeling safer at work and customers more confident in visiting the bank.

Preventing theft and vandalism saves money in the long run. Aside from the obvious protection of bank assets, mobile security units aid financial institutions in improving employee retention, saving thousands of dollars on recruiting, hiring, and training. Increased security also boosts customer loyalty—when customers feel safe, they’re more likely to return and recommend the bank to others. And when people have a positive relationship with your business, it builds social trust, fostering goodwill and strengthening the bank’s standing in the community—a win-win for everyone involved.

Banks have come a long way in security over the last 100 years, but true safety still starts outside. By prioritizing parking lot security, banks can create a comprehensive safety system that transforms parking lots from potential crime hotspots into secure, welcoming spaces.

In a world where security threats are constantly evolving, banks must stay ahead of the curve. Investing in advanced parking lot security measures isn’t just smart—it’s essential. With the right technology and strategies, banks can ensure that every aspect of their operations, from the vault to the parking lot, is as secure as possible.

Learn how mobile security units can close the security gaps endangering your people and your property by contacting LVT for a free demo today!