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Parking Lot Safety
Parking lots and parking structures can be dangerous places. Would you be surprised to know, that according to the Department of Justice in 2002, 24.5% of all reported armed robberies occurred in parking lots or parking structures? The time you are most vulnerable is when you have left your car and are walking in the parking lot to your destination. To become safer we need to limit the amount of time we spend out of our car in the parking structure. We can limit our exposure in the following ways, park in the safest place possible, be prepared to enter our car quickly and leave the structure when we return to our car, and be alert and aware of our surroundings as we move to and from our car.
Pick a safe place to park. This may seem obvious, but ask yourself how many times have you parked somewhere that made you feel uncomfortable and rationalized it by saying "I'll just be a second." Park as close to your destination as possible, limiting the amount of time you spend walking through the parking lot. If you cannot park near your destination, park in an area that is well trafficked. Be aware of how the area will look when you return. Will you be returning to your car after dark? If so, park in a well lit area. Do not park near something that limits your visibility such as dumpsters, blind corners or vans.
Be prepared to enter your car quickly when you return. Lock the door and leave the lot immediately. Have your keys in your hand when you leave the store. Before you exit your car, you should prepare your car for your return. If you are shopping or expect to return to your car with packages make sure there is space in your car for the items when you return. This will allow you to more quickly enter the car when you return.
Finally do not be distracted. Have you ever seen someone so engrossed in looking for their keys or talking on a cell phone that they don't see you? Have you seen them jump when they realize they are about to walk into you? A criminal sees this and sees an easy target. Be alert as you walk to your car. Talking on your cell phone or trying to find your keys is a distraction. As you move through the lot scan the area ahead. Look in the cars to see if anyone looks suspicious. If someone approaches you remember the five foot rule. Never let a stranger closer than five feet. Listen to your instincts. If something doesn't seem right, go back to the store or business. Ask someone to escort you to your car.
Pick a safe place to park. Be aware of your surroundings. Enter your car quickly and leave. Following these three simple rules will help you be safer in parking lots and parking structures.
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