Self-Storage Is Convenient, But Is It Safe?

MOORPARK (CBSLA.com) — When Lisa Gray moved back home with family in Ventura County, putting extra stuff in storage was a necessity.

"I had purchased some bedsheets," she said. "I had lamps and candles. I had jewelry. I had just a lot of valuables."

She says she chose A to Z Storage in Moorpark based on its advertised state-of-the-art security system and the fact that managers are on site around the clock.

But in November, "I received a call from A to Z Storage informing me that there were boxes with my name on them sitting outside the facility," Gray said. "They didn't even know that there was a theft until I arrived."

Managers at A to Z say there had been a rash of thefts in the area. Gray got in touch with the Sheriff's Department, then CBS2/KCAL9 News.

"You feel like there's been an invasion of privacy," Gray said.

"This is the first time in 20 years we have had thefts, and it was a total of three units," A to Z Storage said in a statement.

Managers say they're working with authorities to solve the burglaries and went on to say they encourage all tenants to get their own insurance in case a theft does occur, something Gray didn't have. She also would have asked more questions.

"Who is working at the facility? Do they have guard dogs? ... What is their part in the contact? Who is the owner?" Gray asked. "Take a strong hold into who these people are that are overseeing their possessions."

So, what can you do if you have items in self-storage?

The Better Business Bureau recommends you get insurance protecting against theft, fire or damage.

You also should ask the facility about security and access.

Finally, read the fine print and always get everything in writing.

As for Gray, she is thinking twice before she uses another self-storage facility.

"It is an eye-opening experience as to how the world works," she said.