by Tony Gonzalez
August 8, 2011 7:28 PM
Self storage companies have a simple, straight forward purpose—to give you a place to store your precious keepsakes and to keep them safe. One self storage company decided that it wanted to do a little more than just keep their tenants belongings safe. They want to do something to help keep the community safe as well.
Recently, the people at Lock Up Self Storage hosted a National Night Out event at their facility in North Naples, Florida.
National Night Out is an event aimed towards helping local residents and business owners become more familiar with law enforcement officials and what they do. The hope is to dispel any preconceived notions people have about law enforcement, and encourage them to work with them when necessary.
"The National Night Out is a way for the sheriff's office to say thank you to all the citizens who help out during the year," said Mike Hornack, a volunteer with Crime Stoppers.
People got the chance to get up close and personal with many different aspect of local law enforcement. Those that wanted to were able to take a tour of a mobile crime scene lab. They also got the chance to learn in depth how 911 operates.
"It's about getting the children involved," said Gretchen Lorenzo, crime prevention coordinator for the Fort Myers Police Department. "Education is key."
Roughly 100 people attended the event that Lock Up Self Storage hosted. Part of the festivities there included demonstrations by the bomb squad and the SWAT team (no word on exactly what the bomb squad ‘demonstrated’).
The event had multiple purposes in the end for Lock Up Self Storage. Often times when a self storage facility is able to establish a relationship with local police through events like this, officers will swing by the facility while on patrol.
By establishing a healthy relationship with the local police force it improves the perception of security at the facility. That perception can be a key factor in convincing potential tenants their belongings will be safe there.
That perception of security can end up being the most effective marketing tool that a self storage company can have.
"Unless a customer feels secure in the facility there at, they're not going to rent a unit from you," said Colt Lightfoot, manager of Penny Pinchers in East Charlotte, North Carolina.
Sources Used:
“Florida’s Lock Up Self Storage Hosts National Night Out Event.” Inside Self Storage; 05 August 2011.
“Cities Across SW Florida mark National Night Out.” News-press.com; 02 August 2011.
“Sometimes Security is in the Eye of the Beholder.” Self Storage Industry News; 13 May 2011.