About Safe Storage Rentals

We are three friends and tech entrepreneurs that while moving our web development firm from Missouri to Texas - we put our entire office into a storage facility during the transition. The plan was to just have our desks, servers/computer equipment and ping pong table there for 2 weeks while the finish out of our office was complete. Well, on day 4, someone broke into our self storage unit and took all of stuff. They left the ping pong table (it was too big I’m assuming), and an old bunny costume and our 6 foot bong - Scooby. This experience was devastating and just like that - safestoragerentals.com was born.

• Fostering Trust: Eliminate the stress of choosing the wrong storage. Our platform streamlines your search with a clear comparison of vetted, reliable local facilities.
• Promoting Transparency: We believe in full clarity. Detailed information on costs, features, and security lets you make informed decisions with confidence.
• Simplifying Access: Whether you need climate-controlled units, vehicle storage, or secure spaces for valuables, our diverse options meet all your needs seamlessly.
• Prioritizing Security: Your peace of mind matters. We only feature facilities with top-tier security measures, ensuring your belongings are protected for any length of time.
• Safety is Above All Else: None of this matters if your valuables get stolen.

When selecting a self-storage facility, especially for storing valuable belongings like family heirlooms, electronics, or business inventory, prioritizing safety is crucial. Self-storage units offer convenience and space, but they can also attract opportunistic thieves due to the high concentration of personal property in one location. Over the past decade, reports of thefts and break-ins at these facilities have highlighted the need for robust security measures to protect your assets and provide peace of mind.

In the last 10 years, self-storage thefts have become a growing concern across the United States, mirroring broader trends in property crime. While overall violent crime rates have declined since the 1990s, property crimes—including burglaries—saw a notable uptick during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a 7% national increase in 2022 compared to the previous year. Self-storage facilities, often located in semi-remote areas with limited on-site staff, have been particularly vulnerable. Industry surveys indicate that 85% of self-storage operators are worried about theft and break-ins, with 57% of facilities reporting multiple incidents in recent years. Local investigations reveal even starker patterns: in Nashville, Tennessee, over 75% of nearly 100 facilities had police calls for theft or burglary in a single year, while in Arapahoe County, Colorado, thefts doubled in the first half of a recent year alone. This rise is attributed to factors like economic pressures, the proliferation of facilities (over 50,000 nationwide), and criminals scouting weaknesses by renting units themselves before striking. Though incidents remain relatively low compared to the millions of units available (affecting less than 9% of facilities annually in some older surveys), the financial and emotional toll on victims can be significant, with losses running into thousands per break-in.

• 2015 Guitar Theft in Thousand Oaks, California: Thieves cut through the chicken-wire roof of a unit at a local facility, stealing 11 high-value guitars (Fenders, Gibsons, Martins, and Taylors) worth an estimated $50,000. The victim had stored 25 instruments there, underscoring how even secure-seeming units can be breached with basic tools.
• 2017 Chicago-Area Crime Spree: A burglar named Michael Lozada targeted Public Storage facilities in the suburbs, breaking into 43 units in one night and filling a 26-foot truck with stolen goods. An investigation uncovered hundreds of break-ins across the region, with three-quarters occurring at Public Storage sites, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in popular chains.

These cases illustrate how quickly thieves can exploit facilities, often going unnoticed until victims discover the damage.

To mitigate these risks, evaluate a facility's security features alongside the local crime rate. Research the area's burglary statistics using tools like the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program or local police data—opt for neighborhoods with lower property crime rates. Beyond location, scrutinize the facility's protections:

• Crime Rate in the Area: Choose facilities in low-crime zones; avoid "hot spots" identified in local reports, as proximity to high-traffic or underserved areas increases vulnerability.
• Presence of a Security Guard: On-site or patrolling guards provide a strong deterrent through visible presence and quick response to suspicious activity. While not universal due to costs, facilities with 24/7 staffing or partnerships with local law enforcement (e.g., K9 training programs) offer superior protection.
• Surveillance Cameras: Look for high-definition, 24/7 monitored cameras covering entrances, hallways, and units. Modern systems with smart locks and motion sensors can alert staff in real-time, reducing undetected break-ins.
• Lighting and Overall Visibility: Well-lit exteriors, pathways, and parking areas—using LED fixtures for maximum brightness—discourage nighttime crimes. Eliminate dark corners and ensure gates, fences, and alarms are in place to create layered defenses.

By focusing on these elements, you can select a facility that minimizes risks and safeguards your valuables effectively. Always read reviews, ask about insurance options, and consider adding personal locks or unit alarms for extra security.

Safe Storage Rentals
9901 BRODIE LANE SUITE 160 PMB983
AUSTIN, TX 78748
contact@safestoragerentals.com