Parking lots are so common we may rarely think of them as “dangerous places”. But statistically, they are the second most common places for personal assault and theft. Much of what we do in parking lots is routine, so improving your safety is just a matter of forming some new safety habits.
Some of these tips are for deterring theft. It’s important to realize that auto-related theft is rarely random: the criminal is watching every car enter and leave the lot. Assume you are being watched from the moment you arrive.
Tip #1: Leave your purse at home (gasp!), or hidden in your car’s trunk. Your purse is the number one target, and it’s connect to you. Thieves can use knives to quickly cut the straps, cutting you in the process. Drive-by-snatchings are not uncommon: a car passenger with the window rolled down can drive beside you and simply grab your purse. If you can’t get it off your shoulder in time, “you’re coming with it and it could drag you up underneath the car. It has happened before.” warns Sgt Almond. If you need it, consider keeping your purse over the shoulder facing away from the road.
Tip #2: Your keys are a weapon. If you find yourself in a bad situation and fear for your safety, try this: take the biggest key on your key chain and hold it in your palm, letting the shaft of the key slip between your middle and ring fingers. Now close you fist tightly so they key protrudes firmly from your hand. This weapon can be used to jab or scratch at the throat, eyes, or ribs of an attacker. Practice doing this all within your pocket, or just without looking.
Tip #3: Don’t walk alone, especially at night. But what if you are alone? Wait for someone else to arrive in the lot, and walk into the building at the same time. The same is true when leaving: wait for someone who has made a purchase, and walk to your car at the same time.
Tip #4: Always lock your doors and keep your windows fully closed. Opening your windows just a crack (maybe to keep the heat down) is enough to make a break-in much easier and faster.
Tip #5: Never leave valuables—including piles of coins—visible in your car. An experienced auto thief can break into your car in as little as 3 seconds (even for new cars), making even a few bucks in change worth the effort.
Tip #6: GPS devices are a hot item. Don’t give any indication that there may be one in your car. This means wiping off suction cup marks from your windshield, and hiding it in your vehicle before driving into the parking lot.
Tip #7: Don’t hide valuables or put them in your trunk after you have parked. Remember, the criminal is watching and you’re not only showing them what you have, but where you’ve put it.
Tip #8: Look under and around your vehicle as you approach it. If someone is walking behind you or approaching you, change directions. Car jackers will confront you just as you open your door, and 92% of successful jackings involve a weapon. But jackings also happen just as you leave your car, so stay alert make sure there is nobody nearby before getting out.
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