Recognize parking perils and follow these proper parking procedures to stay safe.<\/strong><\/p>\n Parking lots are often large, have inadequate lighting, and lack reliable security. This makes them opportune places to commit crimes. There are often many places where criminals can hide and wait for unsuspecting victims. Try thinking like a \u201cbad guy\u201d and look for places that would provide a criminal an opportunity to commit a crime. Then think of ways to defeat that opportunity.<\/p>\n I remember a time when Marc MacYoung and I were in San Diego doing a crime avoidance spot for a local news station and I hit near a parking structure’s stairwell to attack the college students helping with the lesson. It doesn’t matter if it is an outdoor area or a multilevel garage, there are hidden places that provide hiding places for criminals.<\/p>\n People who are confused about their car’s location, carrying bags and packages, or searching for their car keys make perfect crime victims. This is another reason Situational Awareness is so important!<\/p>\n Choose Your Parking Place With Care<\/strong><\/p>\n If you can, use attended parking garages, they tend to be more safe. However, remember to remove any personal identification items from the car and only leave your ignition key with the attendant.<\/p>\n Here is a suggestion that I have mixed feeling about.\u00a0 I personally will often park farther from the store. I like the little bit of exercise I get, and I always figure if something happens where everyone is running toward their vehicles, I can outrun most people, get to my car, and be gone without getting caught in the confusion of vehicles. With that being said, parking closer to the store and in the interior of the lot can be more safe than parking on the perimeter.\u00a0 Many parking-lot crimes occur on the perimeter, because this \u201cfringe\u201d area has less people and usually presents a better escape route for the thief.<\/p>\n If you are in a multilevel garage, it can be safer to chose a space near the mall entrance or elevator. If it will be dark before you finish shopping, park near a source of light. Try to avoid parking near shrubbery or other items that could provide cover (hiding places) for criminals. Also avoid parking next to occupied vehicles or near suspicious individuals.\u00a0 Remember to pay attention to your intuition.<\/p>\n Never show cash or valuables while you are in the parking lot, and do not leave anything valuable visible in your car. And here is a real important one that people still don’t follow: NEVER leave a child\u00a0 inside your vehicle, no matter how quickly you expect to return.<\/p>\n Stay alert when you are walking through the parking lot, and walk with purpose. Criminals like people who are distracted on their cell phone or watch their feet rather than looking around. Don’t carry to many purchases where they are taking your attention away from your surroundings. Have your keys ready so you are not looking for them as you approach your vehicle. Carry your keys in your non-dominant hand and you will more easily be able to get to a concealed weapon if you need to. Or, if you have no other weapon, carry the keys in your dominant hand and they can be used as a weapon if needed. If your keys also have a button to set your car alarm off, this can be used to attract attention if needed as well.<\/p>\n Remember that criminals look for people who are distracted. When your attention is not on safety, but on getting in or out of your vehicle, putting groceries or small children into the car, looking for keys, or trying not to bang your door into the car next to you, you are more vulnerable. Criminals love distracted targets.<\/p>\n If you think you are being followed, go back inside or where there are more people, and look for a security or police officer. Pay attention to your instincts and if you feel uncomfortable or see someone who looks suspicious, ask a security officer to accompany you to your vehicle. Also, remember to report and crime you might see in the lot.<\/p>\n When you are approaching your vehicle, look underneath. It is also prudent to walk around the vehicle checking for flat tires, damage, etc. Look inside before getting in, and lock the doors once inside. Many people will sit in their vehicles with their heads down looking over things like a receipt with the doors unlocked. This is an opportune time for a criminal to strike.<\/p>\n It makes me sad to write this, but when thinking safety first, be wary of strangers who approach you in a parking lot, and do not accept their help should something be wrong with your vehicle. If a person tells you something is wrong with your car before you get to it or enter it, find a security officer or call the police.<\/p>\n