Store Space Self Storage, which operates 30 facilities in 12 states, is using its Storage360 property-management platform to launch a “Touchless Rentals” program at all locations, effectively allowing customers to rent a unit and move in without the need for any face-to-face interaction. In addition to implementing “enhanced” cleaning and sanitation practices at its properties, the company launched the new program as part of its initiative to protect customers and employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, according to a press release.

New Store Space customers can complete their rental leases online and move into their units without meeting with facility staff in person. Existing tenants can also manage their accounts and make payments online. The process can also be handled over the phone, the release stated.

“Our customers rely on us, either as a warehouse facility for essential business needs or simply to store vital household goods,” said Chris Harris, CEO. “We needed to find a way to provide the same level of access and customer service while limiting exposure to COVID-19 for both customers and employees.”

To help incentivize the program, Store Space is offering all new tenants who rent online an Amazon e-gift card worth up to $50, based on their monthly rental rate. “We're trying to accommodate customers and businesses during these tough times,” said Stephen Sandecki, chief marketing officer. “We have an obligation to our community to live up to our ‘Storage That Cares’ slogan. Providing a clean, sanitary and supportive place for our customers to store, and for our employees to work, is just a small part of that commitment.”

Launched in 2018 and based in Winter Garden, Fla., Store Space has several self-storage properties under purchase agreement that will bring its operating portfolio to 34 facilities in 13 states, according to the release.

Source:
Yahoo Finance, Store Space Self Storage to Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 with ‘Touchless Rentals’

Three men are facing federal charges in connection with firearms that were stolen from multiple Los Angeles self-storage facilities between December 2018 and September 2019. A total of 47 weapons were reported as stolen from locations in Culver City, Glendale, Valencia, West Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Some were later sold to convicted felons, according to the source.

The May 30 theft at a Valencia self-storage facility involved 35 firearms, including multiple .45-caliber pistols, 12-gauge shotguns and high-powered rifles. Two of the pilfered guns, a .45-caliber pistol and a .40-caliber pistol, were sold the same day as the burglary, an indictment alleges.

Alan Elperin, 29, Rick Eric Herst, 34, and Jeffrey James LaFraniere, 37, were charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of dealing firearms without a license, and two counts of selling stolen firearms. Herst and LaFraniere also face charges of selling firearms to convicted felons and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Herst was apprehended on Monday, while Elperin and LaFraniere have been in police custody since June for separate cases. All three are now in federal custody. If convicted on all charges, Herst and LaFraniere face a maximum sentence of 60 years, while Elperin could get up to 30.

Herst has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a May 19 trial date has been set. He has two felony convictions in Los Angeles in 2009 for vehicle theft. LaFraniere has multiple felony convictions in Los Angeles between July 2007 and August 2016 for burglary, identity theft and possession of methamphetamines for sale, the indictment stated.

Source:
STL News, Reseda Man Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Storage Unit Burglaries

Marcus & Millichap (M&M), a commercial real estate firm that specializes in self-storage, has named Steven D. Weinstock as national director of its Self Storage Division, which provides market knowledge, asset expertise and transaction services to investors and owners throughout North America. Weinstock is also a first vice president and national director of the firm’s Land Group Division as well as regional manager of its Chicago/Oak Brook, Ill. office. He’ll continue in those positions in addition to his new appointment, according to a press release.

“Even amid market disruption due to COVID-19, self-storage is a mainstream investment category that a broad array of investors are interested in,” said Richard Matricaria, executive vice president. “Steven is well-suited to lead this dynamic division given both his experience through multiple real estate cycles as well as within the self-storage sector.”

“This is an exciting time for the self-storage industry as Millennials have integrated offsite storage into their lifestyles, bolstering space demand and sparking innovation,” added Weinstock. “Our team of investment professionals handle every type of storage asset throughout the U.S. and Canada, and understands the various needs of investors across the spectrum. I am looking forward to leading the firm’s growth in this sector and further extending our services to clients throughout North America.”

Weinstock began his career in commercial real estate in Michigan in 1989, joining the M&M Detroit office as an agent in 2001. He’s also served the company as a sales manager. Weinstock graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and earned a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. He earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation from the CCIM Institute in 1997. He also serves on the executive board of the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation.

Founded in 1971, M&M employs nearly 2,000 investment and financing professionals in offices throughout Canada and the United States. It provides real estate, joint-venture and mortgage brokerage as well as research and advisory services to commercial investors and owners.

Source:
BusinessWire, Steven D. Weinstock Named National Director of Marcus & Millichap’s Self Storage Division

Commercial real estate firm Newmark Knight Frank (NKF) has released a “2020 Summary Market Report” on the self-storage industry. The publication offers insight to the impact of the 10-year Treasuries interest and capitalization (cap) rates on the storage market, the performance of self-storage against other real estate sectors, rate information for self-storage real estate investment trusts, and other metrics. It’s produced by the firm’s Self Storage Group, which provides valuation and consulting services.

With the 10-year Treasuries at an all-time low, the spread of cap rates is at an all-time high, according to a report summary. The market impact “results in significant increases to equity dividends or suggests downward pressure on cap and yield rates in the near term.” In addition, with brokers reporting continued interest in the self-storage market, the “long-term, steady cash flow characteristics and performance in dynamic (even recessionary) economic conditions indicate market sentiment that self-storage is a safe haven or a hedge against market turbulence.”

The two-page summary can be downloaded for free from the NKF website. The full report is available by request.

NKF is a commercial real estate advisory firm that provides valuation and consulting services for the self-storage industry and other real estate sectors. Its global workforce includes 18,000 professionals operating out of 480 offices on six continents.

A woman has been arrested for multiple burglaries that occurred at New Hampshire self-storage facilities last spring. Katie Regan, 32, of Haverhill, N.H., faces charges of theft in Hampstead, Londonderry and Windham. She’s accused of cutting the locks on unit doors and replacing them with new locks after removing contents from the space, according to the source.

The most recent charges stem from the burglary of six units at Quality Self Storage in Windham, N.H. The thefts at 105 Rockingham Road occurred between March and June 2019. In this case, Regan faces two counts of theft over $1,501 and four counts of theft with two prior convictions. She was already in police custody when she was served with a warrant.

The March 2019 break-in at RightSpace Storage at 7 Mohawk Drive in Londonderry was discovered when the tenant called police to report stolen items. The victim claimed clothes, shoes, jewelry, a professional camera, home goods and college textbooks with a value of $15,131 were missing.

Hampstead police, who were investigating similar thefts last spring, contacted Londonderry police in April. The departments worked together to compile a list of suspects from both towns with thefts that matched Regan’s patterns. When executing a search warrant on Regan’s car, Hampstead police discovered 75 padlock keys, the source reported.

In some cases, Regan stored stolen items in a separate unit at the same facility. In one instance, she left a passport, tax and billing paperwork, and birth certificates from one unit in another, police said. Stolen items were also discovered in a garage at 57 Pear Tree Road, where the woman lives with her boyfriend.

Regan has a criminal history in Massachusetts and New Hampshire that dates to 2000, when she was just 12 years old. It includes 32 cases in which she is named a defendant. She’s been convicted of breaking and entering, criminal threatening, and possession of a dangerous weapon, among other charges, court records show.

Opened in 1998, Quality Self Storage is family-owned and -operated. It also offers equipment rentals.

Founded more than 15 years ago, RightSpace operates facilities in seven states. It’s a participating regional operator of National Storage Affiliates Trust, a self-administered and -managed real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition, operation and ownership of self-storage properties within the top 100 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas throughout the United States.       

Source:
The Eagle Tribute, Haverhill Woman Linked to Area Thefts Faces New Charges

    

Police arrested a man in connection with a recent string of burglaries at Self Storage Center 3 in Georgetown, Ky. As many as 26 units were breached at 1998 Oxford Drive, according to sources.

Video-surveillance footage helped investigators identify a vehicle that led to the suspect, 33-year-old Shane C. Griffin. When police went to make the arrest on March 10, a short vehicle and foot pursuit ensued. Officers found Griffin hiding under a bed inside an apartment. They also discovered items taken from the units in the home and in Griffin’s vehicle, sources reported.

Griffin has been charged with multiple counts of burglary, possession of burglary tools, fleeing, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance.

The investigation is ongoing as police contact multiple victims. They’re asking anyone with information to call Georgetown Police Officer Gregg Muravchick at 502.863.7826.

Self Storage Center also operates two facilities in Frankfort, Ky. All three locations offer climate-controlled, drive-up and vehicle storage, and warehouse units.

Sources:
WTVQ, Man Nabbed in String of Storage Unit Burglaries
Fox 56, Suspect Arrested in Multiple Thefts From Georgetown Storage Units

During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we’ve all heard the importance of good hygiene: maintain social distance, avoid unnecessary crowds and, above all, wash your hands. These strategies are meant to keep us safe as the virus takes its somewhat unpredictable course. But to fully protect ourselves during this crisis, we must also practice cyber hygiene. This is especially important for businesses like self-storage, which handle sensitive customer information.

Cyber hygiene ensures computers and their users aren’t unnecessarily exposed to digital viruses. Malware, ransomware and other nefarious bugs can infect computers and systems, making them “ill,” preventing them from operating as they should and hurting us in the process.

Cyber criminals have always used current events to facilitate their wrongdoings. In times of terrorist attack or natural disaster, scams will appear online claiming to raise money for charity or asking you to enter your personally identifiable information. COVID-19 is just another opportunity. While many are hard at work curing the sick and others are simply out of work, cyber criminals are busy spreading their own unique plague. They’re leveraging human concerns and fears over this tragedy to steal passwords, data and money.

Scams Under Way

For example, it’s estimated that nearly 50 percent of all coronavirus-themed domain registrations are likely to be infected with malware or posted by malicious actors in an effort draw in those seeking information. A site that purports to have suggestions on how to avoid the COVID-19 can trick visitors into downloading malware under the guise of medical guidance. Once a computer is infected, hackers can access all information within, including login credentials and passwords.

Even legitimate websites can pose a danger. For example, a tracking map from a major medical university was recently targeted by hackers. In this scam, website visitors were instructed to download software, which generated a fake map infected with malware, thereby contaminating the user’s computer. Fortunately, those working at the university were experts in medicine and cyber security. They quickly discovered the resolved the issue.

Phishing scams have also been prominent during COVID-19, with e-mails filling inboxes that appear to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These messages lure clicks to links that claim to offer information about the virus but are just another vehicle to inject malware.

Furthermore, while schools are canceling classes, cyber criminals are creating false e-mails to students and teachers, alleging to be from personnel such as the institution’s “health team.” They’re directing computer users to fake login pages that result in the theft of credentials. Further complicating this scam is the fact that users tend to use the same login information across multiple websites, making it easy for criminals to gain unauthorized access in many places.

Most disturbing of all is hackers working on behalf of the Chinese government are capitalizing on the circumstances created by coronavirus to install malware and steal information. North Korea and Russia are also suspected of exploiting the situation, preying on peoples’ concerns through phishing attacks. Fortunately, there’s often a cure for a computer virus.

Take Action

Like the good physical hygiene we’re encouraged to use to avoid COVID-19, we all need to employ sensible cyber hygiene to avoid digital viruses. Here’s what you can do to minimize risk:

• Be wary of anything you click. Make sure it’s from a reliable source. Better yet, go to the source’s Web page and obtain the information directly from the site to avoid any chance of inadvertent contamination.
• Now is definitively not the time to download e-mail attachments unnecessarily, even from people you know, as they might be unwittingly passing a malware-infected attachment.
• Keep your antivirus software and other programs current and regularly run a virus scan of your computer.

The coronavirus is doing damage, but eventually the threat will pass. While many will be impacted, life will soon normalize. However, computer viruses are here to stay. The circumstances may change, but the dangers of cyber criminals are always the same. Fortunately, you have the power to protect yourself. Practicing good cyber hygiene so will not only help keep you safe, it’ll allow you to focus attention where it really matters—on yourself, your loved ones and your livelihood.

John Iannarelli is an associate of The Safety Institute, a health and safety resource for businesses. A retired FBI agent, he has firsthand knowledge of emergency procedures. He’s also a recipient of an honorary Doctor of Computer Science in recognition for his contributions to the field of cyber investigations. For more information, e-mail [email protected]; visit www.safetyinstitute.com.

As it becomes more challenging for self-storage owners and developers to find quality land on which to build and get municipal project approval, a strategic approach to facility design is more important than ever. Our Self-Storage Mastery DVD 5-Pack on the topic offers expert insight to modern building options, site layout, zoning hurdles, case studies, conversions and more. The bundle includes the following five videos:

• Future-Forward Storage Design: Modern Building Options
• Self-Storage Site Layout for Maximum ROI and Minimum Headaches
• Design Principles for Urban-Infill Self-Storage Projects
• Self-Storage Building and Design: Case Studies of Success
• Conversions: The Self-Storage Industry's Diamond in the Rough

Additional Mastery DVD sets focus on career development, digital marketing, investing strategies, risk management, sales and service, staffing, and more. Visit the ISS Store for full product details. Learn how to take a strategic approach to your next development and better your odds for project success!

Inside Self-Storage (ISS) has created a dedicated page on its website to house all of the brand's industry-relevant content pertaining to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Found at insideselfstorage.com/coronavirus-covid-19, the page contains news, announcements, articles and blogs from ISS staff and business experts. Soon, it will also contain video. It was created to keep self-storage professionals apprised of developments, resources and advice during this time of crisis. 

"Everyone is reeling from the effects of this pandemic, which has spiraled globally with such force and at tremendous speed. As citizens, we are all being challenged to 'flatten the curve' of the virus. Here at ISS, we wish to also flatten the curve of information deprivation," said ISS Vice President Teri L. Lanza. "This situation gives rise to so many anxieties, personal and professional, and people are ravenous for answers and advice. While there are many places where they can get general information about COVID-19, there are very few where self-storage professionals can get guidance regarding the impact of the illness on our specific industry. We applaud the work being done by the self-storage associations and vendors to keep our community informed, and we're doing our part to produce, gather and distribute critical intelligence."

Fresh content will be published to the page as often as possible and shared with the audience via the ISS newsletter and the brand's social media platforms. Anyone interested in contributing educational content or announcements to the page should send a proposal and/or draft to the editorial team at [email protected]. 

ISS recently postponed its annual ISS World Expo, the self-storage industry's largest conference and tradeshow, out of concern for the health and safety of show participants and the general public. Originally scheduled for April 14-17 at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, it will now take place July 21-24 at the same venue. Show details can be found at issworldexpo.com. 

Industry professionals seeking even more advice and support can reach out to the community at Self-Storage Talk (SST), the industry's largest online forum. SST is home to thousands of members, from day-to-day facility operators, to owners and investors, to builders and other experts. Participants can read and answer questions, share information, and generally interact with peers. The site is free to use. 

For more than 29 years, ISS has provided informational resources for the self-storage industry. Its educational offerings include ISS magazine, the annual ISS World Expo, an extensive website, SST, and the ISS Store, an e-commerce platform offering industry education and resources.