How to Park Safely in Lots and Garages
It's 5:30 and dark outside. You stayed a half hour longer than you planned to help the boss, and you're running late. Your head's throbbing as you move quickly toward your car in the parking garage, hoping to get to your nine-year-old to her recital on time.
Distractions are the number one cause of safety lapses when you park your car in public lots or parking garages. When worried about making an appointment on time or focused on job demands, it's easy to let down your guard.
According to Washington FAMILY Magazine, in ranking violent crimes, parking lots and garages ranked placed second, just after crimes committed on residential property. Because of their dim lighting, parking garages make especially inviting lairs to prospective criminals, who also find it easy to crouch behind parked cars or trucks.
FAMILY cites intense activities such as rummaging through a purse or pockets for car keys and talking on a cell phone as particularly damaging to your level of awareness. This vastly increases the likelihood of an attack, according to Steve Jones, COO of Universal Protection Service, which provides safety programs and electronic security measures.
Following a few basic safety steps can cut your risk of entering or exiting a parking facility:
1. Identify entrances and exits. Before walking far from your car, make sure to locate all entrances and exits to the garage or lot. Make it a point to do so as you enter the parking area.
2. Target a safe area. During peak periods, a choice of a parking spot isn't always available. Whenever possible, however, you should park next to entrances or at least in areas that are in the open or well lit.
3. Secure your vehicle. This means always taking the time to close the sunroof if you have one, lock the doors and roll up all windows before you leave your vehicle.
4. Remove valuables. Don't be a highly visible target. Take out any valuables and avoid leaving a cell phone plugged into a cigarette lighter where would-be thieves can easily spot it.
5. Return purposefully. Keep your keys in your hand and walk confidently toward your vehicle.
6. Trust your instincts. If you sense something is "off," be sure to ask a security guard or officer for an escort to your car.
7. Report anything suspicious. If in doubt, report to security anything that looks or feels suspicious.
8. Avoid lingering. When you close the door to your vehicle after parking, be prepared to set out right away for your destination. On the return trip, avoid fumbling for keys or pass codes and plan to get into the vehicle and make a speedy exit. Never answer a cell phone call on the way to your car.
9. Keep your vehicle secure: Once you've made it to your vehicle, lock all doors and windows. Keep them locked until you have left the lot or the garage.
