Case Study: License Plate Cameras

In a growing gated community in Southwest Florida, one issue kept hitting home — literally. Their vehicle gates were constantly being struck by careless drivers, and the costs to repair them were mounting fast. After one too many repairs, the board approved a project to install surveillance cameras, hoping to finally catch the culprits.

Unfortunately, the solution they invested in didn’t solve the problem. Within a month of installation, the gates were hit again in the middle of the night. When the association pulled the footage, what they saw was frustrating:

• Grainy, black-and-white infrared video

• No clear license plate

• No usable shot of the impact itself

The worst part? Law enforcement couldn’t help.

“We rely on clear video of the actual impact and a legible license plate to open a case. Without those two things, our hands are often tied.” - Collier County Sheriff Deputy

A Smarter, Purpose-Built Solution

That’s when the association began researching companies that specialized not just in camera installation, but in comprehensive security integration. After meeting with several local vendors, they selected Key Security Services.

“Key Security Services wasn’t the cheapest, but they were clearly the most professional and knowledgeable. We also liked that they didn’t just install cameras—they service our gates and access systems too. The last time our gate was hit, Key was there the same day, fixed the gate, and provided us the video WITH a legible license plate. They even uploaded it to a private YouTube link for easy sharing. Top notch.” - Arlo, CAM

Installing the Right Tools for the Job

Key Security Services installed 180-degree night vision cameras to provide full coverage of the entry lanes, plus dedicated License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras for both resident and guest lanes. Unlike standard cameras, LPR systems are built to capture legible plates even at night and even when vehicles are moving quickly.

“While modern cameras offer excellent video quality, standard systems still struggle with license plates due to glare and motion blur. LPR cameras are engineered specifically to capture sharp, readable plates—even at night. That data is critical for associations who need to know who’s on the property and recover damages after gate impacts.” - Key Powell, Owner of Key Security Services

Real-Time Alerts. Real Results.

Key Security didn’t stop at the cameras. They also connected the Liftmaster telephone entry system with the Liftmaster gate operators, enabling the community to receive instant notifications any time an impact occurs.

Staff now have remote access to the camera system and, in several recent cases, received an alert, pulled up the video feed in real time, and saw the vehicle still at the gate. They were able to call the police and respond before the driver left the scene.

Previously, they wouldn’t find out about damage until a homeowner reported it — sometimes hours later.

This improved response time has made a measurable impact.

“Gate impacts have increased dramatically since more and more homes are being rented in the community. Before these cameras, we were spending over $30,000 a year on repairs. Now, we go after the owners with police reports and crystal-clear video, and insurance covers the costs.” - Gil, Board of Directors

Over the past three years, the association has recovered nearly $60,000 in damages, and that number continues to rise.

Peace of Mind, On Demand

For the board and staff, this upgrade has delivered more than just better video—it’s delivered peace of mind. No more uncertainty. No more wasted time. And no more eating the cost of someone else’s mistake.

Today, every vehicle that enters the community is logged with high-definition footage, and any incident can be reviewed, shared, and acted upon—immediately. Staff are no longer reactive—they’re empowered and proactive.

This case shows what happens when the right technology meets the right partner. Key Security Services didn’t just install better cameras—they integrated smart, proactive systems that protect the community’s budget, reduce liability, and restore control.