Answer Man: Ingles store has solar-powered security in parking lot? Dog park 'no parking'

Today’s batch of burning questions, my smart-aleck answers and the real deal:

Question: What is going on in the Oteen Ingles parking lot? We now have a solar-powered camera, light and siren tower in the parking lot. Is it that dangerous there? Have they been having carts stolen or something?

My answer: I imagine soon these will be equipped with laser stun guns that zap people who do not actually push their carts all the way into the daggone cart return slots. Come on, people! It's not that hard!

Real answer: Ingles Markets Chief Financial Officer Pat Jackson had this to say via email when I asked for an explanation: "We are utilizing technology where we can enhance our customer experience."

OK, then. That about covers it. Thanks for stopping by.

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All right, I did push Jackson for just a teensy bit more information.

"We want our customers to feel comfortable shopping with us, and at this location, we are testing technology to help us deter, detect and respond to security-related incidents," Jackson said.

That's a little more helpful.

I searched online and quickly found that other chains have tried out similar technology, which is sometimes called, "Lot Cops."

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The Fox 54 television station in Huntsville, Alabama, had a story in 2019 about a Walmart testing this technology, noting, "The devices are called Lot Cops. It’s a surveillance system of armed cameras and flashing blue lights."

And this: "The idea is to offer an extra set of eyes on the parking lot, in addition to cameras currently in place."

In 2018, Dakotanewsnow.com had a similar story about the devices being in place at a Sioux City Walmart, noting the camera systems are called mobile video platforms.

That story cited a Walmart spokesperson, who said, "We are looking to cause the bad guy that would come to our parking lot or to our store to pause and say 'Hey, Walmart might not be the best place for me to commit this crime.'"

On its website, Live View Technologies, which makes Lot Cop, states: "Poles and power are not required. Our mobile trailers, powered by solar and backup generator, allow for rapid deployment. Whether you’re wanting to save thousands on lot construction or your site is remotely located, we can quickly secure your lot, sending thieves, vandals, loiterers, and trespassers elsewhere."

I don't know what brand Ingles is using, but it sounds like the idea behind the devices is similar.

Asheville Police Department spokesman Bill Davis did some checking on crime stats for this particular Ingles store, "which appears to show calls for service at the actual Ingles address on Tunnel Road to be down, year-to-date, from 2021 to 2022.

"But the Tunnel Road area remains an active area for criminal activity," Davis said via email.

Question: At the Asheville dog park on Azalea Road, it looks like the city has put up “no parking” signs all along the roadway. Why? And when it gets crowded, where are you supposed to park?

My answer: Clearly, a solar-powered device that barks loudly at people for parking in this area would be much more effective, not to mention fun.

Real answer: City of Asheville spokeswoman Kim Miller said the signs are actually pretty far from the park itself.

"The nearest 'No Parking' signs on Azalea Road are several hundred feet away from the dog park, where parking is usually ample," Miller said. "The 'No Parking' signs along Azalea Road are generally where the shoulder is too narrow to safely allow parking or where shoulder parking may intrude on private property."

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The dog park features two separate fenced areas — one for small dogs and one for large dogs, according to the city's website. It's located at 395 Azalea Road and has separate parking for pet owners.

This is the opinion of John Boyle. To submit a question, contact him at 232-5847 or jboyle@citizen-times.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Answer Man: Ingles has solar-powered security? Dog park 'no parking?'