Thieves Targeting Storage Units is 'Growing Problem' Nationwide

Do you use a storage facility in the Loganville Grayson area — Pack Rat Self Storage, Loganville Mini Storage or any of the others you'll find in our Patch directory? 

If so, your stored items could be quite attractive to thieves. 

An ABC News report shows surveillance video of two individuals unloading the contents of a storage unit in Missouri in broad daylight. The reports says thefts involving storage units are a growing trend across the country and that about 11 million households — one in 10, according to the Self Storage Association — pay monthly to store their possessions. ABC News attributes the increase in thefts to poor locking systems and the ease in which thieves can gain access to a facility.

A Norcross Patch report says multiple storage units at a local storage business were reportedly broken into in late April, and the city saw six break-ins at a different facility between May 13 and 15. 

The Better Business Bureau says storage facility customers need a heavy-duty, secure lock protecting the unit and insurance to protect contents from theft, fire or other damage.

A Kiplinger report says consumers should check facilities for their security measures — the facility should be surrounded by a fence and have coded security pads to enter, as well as video surveillance cameras. Ideally, there should be cameras throughout the facility, not just at the entrance, the report says. 

Do you use a storage unit? What do you store there? Have you had any issues with security at the facility you use? Tell us in comments.