From Chains to Cameras: The Best Tools to Prevent Commercial Picnic Table Theft

People stealing picnic tables from public spaces is nothing new. Parks, playgrounds, schools, restaurants and campgrounds have been victims of theft for decades. Today’s criminals notice a picnic table that looks portable and see an opportunity. From the late-night theft of picnic tables at a park in Woodcock Township, PA, to the bold daytime theft of a newly installed table at a softball field in New Bedford, CT, outdoor venues with commercial picnic table furniture are increasingly becoming targets. 

Whether stealing picnic tables is meant as a prank or done for personal gain, these thefts impact not only your venue and budget but the community as a whole. While you can’t completely stop vandalism, misuse and theft, you can deter it by installing theft-prevention solutions on and around the picnic tables located in your outdoor space.

GROUND-MOUNTING SYSTEMS

For the best security, metal-framed picnic tables can be anchored to the ground, cement or other hard surface in your outdoor space. Commercial picnic table manufacturers offer a variety of available mounting accessories specifically for metal-framed tables. For minimal cost, you can enjoy greater peace of mind knowing your picnic tables are not going anywhere. 

Surface-Mount Accessories

The advantage of picnic tables made with metal frames is that there are mounts made to secure the frame without causing any damage to the frame itself. Surface-mount clamps loop over the frame and are then fastened to a hard surface with heavy-duty hardware. There is no drilling done directly into the frame, so the integrity of the metal and protectant coating is safeguarded.

There are also surface-mount covers available that conceal the hardware and provide a seamless look. At first glance, picnic tables with surface-mount covers may look portable, but thieves will soon find out that if they try to lift the table, they are out of luck. 

In-Ground Mounted Picnic Tables 

For a more permanent grounding solution, consider outfitting your outdoor space with picnic tables that are mounted directly into the ground via a center post built into the frame. A great example is a Square Thermoplastic Steel Picnic Table that has an extended metal frame that is inserted nearly two feet deep into a hole in the ground and secured with concrete.

TABLES WITH INTEGRATED WEIGHT OR STRUCTURE

Another great way to deter theft is to utilize concrete picnic tables. While more expensive than traditional picnic tables, these heavyweight tables will last a lifetime. Weighing anywhere from 800 to nearly 1,400 pounds, concrete picnic tables are nearly impossible to move, let alone steal from your property. In fact, special lift truck equipment and a team of people are required to place or move concrete tables. 

STRATEGIC PLACEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERRENTS

In addition to investing in concrete picnic tables or installing mounting devices on your existing tables, you can also incorporate security measures around your surroundings to help ward off crime. 

Surveillance Cameras

Identify ideal areas at your venue to position outdoor surveillance cameras for added security. Just the sight of cameras helps deter crime, but if property is stolen, you have the camera footage to access to find the perpetrators. As we mentioned earlier about the story of the daytime picnic table theft in Pennsylvania, surveillance cameras captured the two men responsible for taking the park picnic table. Clear, quality video footage can make a huge difference in finding the culprits and bringing them to justice.

Placement of Tables in High-Visibility Areas 

If possible, install your picnic tables in well-lit, open spaces near paths, playgrounds, or staffed facilities. Alternatively, add a shade structure with lights to keep the area visible and protected. A well-lit shade structure will attract the types of visitors you want at your park: responsible picnic-goers looking to enjoy time at your outdoor venue while being protected from the sun and rain.

FENCE AND CHAIN SOLUTIONS

Last but not least, if your space includes solid wood picnic tables that can’t be secured using the methods above, there are alternative theft-prevention solutions you can implement to help keep your furniture in place. 

Chaining for Wood Picnic Tables

All-wood picnic tables don’t have available clamps and mounts like metal-framed picnic tables do, but you can build your own cost-effective solution with just a few materials. Install a heavy-duty ground anchor or post into the ground near your table and secure a thick metal chain around the table legs and to the anchor. You can also wrap a large chain around a nearby tree and through the picnic table, then use a padlock to keep the table from being moved.

Gates and Fencing

If your business or venue has picnic tables that can’t be mounted to the ground, you can always install a gate or fence to border your outdoor social or dining area. This creates an additional obstacle for would-be thieves – the reward is not worth the hassle. Look for fencing that is not obtrusive but still effective at deterring theft. 

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES PRODUCE POSITIVE RESULTS

Keep your outdoor seating areas safe and protected by implementing as many theft deterrents as possible. While it takes work and, in some cases, an investment to keep your picnic tables in place, the effort is worth the cost to replace stolen furniture. Beat the bad guys at their game – secure your outdoor picnic areas now!