Parking lots are not as safe as you may think!
Picture This Scenario
Ahhhh, you’re done work and heading out the door of your office building, the air is crisp, and the sky is dark. You immediately get on your phone and into a distracting conversation. Once you reach your car, you hang up, get in, and jump on Facebook to see what Todd from high school had for supper. You sit for several minutes, then you pull out and leave to go home…
What is wrong in this scenario?
- Walking alone in a parking lot can leave you open to attack. Always walk with others, or ask security to walk with you.
- Attackers tend to target people who are distracted and not using their five senses (like hearing, because they’re on the phone gossiping).
- You didn’t lock your door once you got in, making it easy for a predator to open the door and do whatever they want to you or your vehicle.
- Sitting in the parking lot, distracted is a waste of your time and delays your commute. And the longer you sit there, the more likely it is that you could become a victim.
These are little things most of us do daily and don’t think about much. But it’s these little things that make us vulnerable in desolate places. The main thing a predator looks for when choosing a victim is distracted behavior. So look alive–put your head up high, walk with purpose, don’t doddle, and get home safe!
Parking lots are dark, secluded, and deserted–which makes them a perfect place for criminals to find prey. Whether a “bad guy” wants to break into a vehicle, or hurt someone– a parking lot is an ideal place for the perfect crime.
According to The National Institute of Justice, just under 10% of all violent crimes in the United States occur in parking lots. And how much time do we spend walking through them? We are walking into and out of one whenever we run errands or go to work. This is why we need to know about parking lot perils and how to prevent them!
Violent Crime in Parking Lots
Criminals tend to pick places for their nefarious deeds that are dark, deserted, and full of potential to isolate their victims. A parking garage or parking lot is a perfect area for this because, at night, they are usually deserted.
As well, we have a tendency to get distracted while we are walking out of a store, workplace, or other official building…
Theft in Parking Lots
Theft is typically a crime we worry about more than the potential for violence. This is probably because most of us know someone who has been stolen from or had their car broken into. According to LotGuard USA, more than 1 in 10 property crimes happen in deserted parking lots or garages.
This is why we should always take precautions like locking our doors and securing and hiding belongings to be sure we aren’t “tempting” thieves.
Tips to Stay Safe in Parking Lots
When you’re in a parking lot, whether it’s during the day or at night, there are some precautions you should take to avoid becoming a victim.
- Consider wearing something reflective if you’re out a lot at night.
- When you’re parking, try not to park next to a van. If you come out and a van is parked next to your driver’s side, enter the vehicle on the passenger side. Some abductors have pulled their victims into their van while they entered their parked car.
- Try to park next to a populated area.
- If you can, park with your vehicle facing out. This way you can make a quick exit!
- Lock all of your possessions away before you leave your vehicle
- Hide your valuables before exiting your vehicle.
- Never leave your vehicle running.
- Never leave your pet or child in the vehicle unattended.
- When you’re walking, be aware of your surroundings.
- While driving or walking, follow all directional signs.
- Watch out for potholes or other hazards so you don’t take a tumble.
- Stay off of your phone and avoid distractions while walking to or from your car.
- Walk down isles instead of between the vehicles if you can. Basically, walk in front or behind vehicles instead of between them, by their doors.
- Do not allow strangers to flag you down for directions or conversation. You are not obligated to help strangers.
While Walking in a Parking Lot…
- Make eye contact or at least make sure drivers are aware of you before crossing the road or parking lot.
- Walk with purpose and look around, and behind you for hazards or cars.
- Watch for cues that a vehicle is backing out, like reverse lights or exhaust.
- If you notice these cues, make sure the driver can see you before crossing behind the vehicle.
- Carry your keys in between your fingers. This way, they can be used as a weapon and you will have easy access to them while attempting to enter your vehicle.
- When you approach your vehicle, do a quick scan. Check around your car, look out for flat tires, and peek under the car for anything out of place.
- Check your backseat before you get in. If you notice someone in your car, leave the area and call 911.
- If you are with a young child, get in the back with them, lock the doors, and then climb into the driver’s seat. This way you aren’t bent over and distracted with the door open.
- Do not linger in your car when you get in.
- Lock the doors when you get in and drive away.
- Watch for other vehicles when you back out of your parking space.
- Trust your gut. If something seems off or you feel apprehensive, there is probably a reason why.
Parking lots are the perfect place for the perfect crime
To keep ourselves safe from becoming a victim of criminal activity, we must think like a criminal and prepare accordingly!
Remember: Be aware of your surroundings and don’t ever second guess your gut instinct!
Be aware, and stay safe!
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