Some of the most straightforward answers and the first line of defence to these problems are as follows:
- Take the parking ticket on the chin, clear it with the client first, or take it as an expense
- Arrive very early with a friend, drop your car off in a good position, and then return at the required time with the vehicle already in place
- If suitable flush and with no need to drive quickly, speak with a neighbour who has an overlooking window or balcony, you will need some cash with you & possibly a bird-watching book
- Consider points of egress and plan to watch the exit to the road, perhaps it is a 1 way road or a cul de sac, perfect
- Consider a 2 man team
Less kosher tips with more risk
- Cone off a space with mini cones the day before
- Use a fake parking ticket to push someone out, it's nice to write sorry inside the ticket, 50/50 they drive off first or look at the ticket first
- Consider a GPS Tracker to assist with the surveillance, the ABI has guidance on this
More advanced solutions
Bluetooth of Wi-Fi-based trail cameras can offer wireless nearby viewing of areas outside of your LOS. Set up to monitor the direction of movement, there will be a delay between actions and viewing on the monitor.
Movement alarms, PIR sensors, and other types of sensors can offer the ability to monitor if a person or object moves past a placed sensor. This technology can be expensive.
Map and route analysis. Use what we know about the individual to predict the likely route and park along the route. Mixed chance of success however in some circumstances, case by case-by-case usefulness. Make sure to do this using Open Office Calc or Excel and predict the chances of each route being utilised.
Long-range monitoring with appropriate gear. Look at satellite images and do a recce, there may be LOS at quite a distance. May be suited to a 2 man team but can be possible solo in the right circumstances.
If none of this solves the problem
If you really cannot find an alterative method to this problem then you need to speak to the client in advance and either get a parking ticket authorised (you may never get a ticket), authorise multi visit short hour stints with an extension when parking is found or authorise a 2 person team.
If they won't then the job isn't for you or you need to come back later with fresh eyes and see if you can find a compromise.
Operant Investigators Ltd - Private Investigators
Head Office in London, branches also in Bournemouth, Bridgend, Southampton and Taunton.
Registered at 71–75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ