Have you ever found yourself in the parking lot feeling uneasy or threatened? Parking lot attacks often occur even in our own communities. The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reports in the National Crime Victimization Survey that ten percent of property crimes and seven percent of all violent crimes take place in parking lots and garages.
These frightening incidences should raise awareness of the importance of parking lot safety. Its past time we take necessary steps to protect ourselves. Hopefully you never have a threatening parking lot encounter, but if you do, then what?
Here are seven protective tips to employ while navigating parking lot areas.
1) Use Body Language
Be alert and use body language that communicates confidence and that you will defend yourself if provoked.
2) Keep Things Close
Ladies, carry your purse close to your body so it would be difficult to grab. Gentlemen, place your wallet in your hip pocket or inside your jacket, close to your body to prevent being pickpocketed.
3) Scan the Area
Scan the parking lot left and right as you walk to your vehicle and have your key in your hand to unlock your car door quickly. Most keys have a panic buttons that when pressed sound an alarm on your vehicle. Press that button if you feel threatened.
4) Avoid Strangers
If possible, avoid strangers loitering in the parking lot.
5) Lock It
Before you get in your vehicle, look for stowaways that could be hiding in your back seat. Lock your doors as soon as you get in.
6) Orient your Vehicle
Orient your vehicle in the parking space so you can quickly exit without backing out.
7) Now Reverse
Use these tips in reverse when you arrive at work to enter the building. Lock your doors as soon as you leave your vehicle.
Additional considerations for parking lot safety may include being conscientious of suspicious behavior among groups of people. Criminals frequently work in groups of 2 or more, so even if you are approached by one person, keep in mind the assailant may be working with others intending to distract you.
If you do feel threatened in a parking area, loudly call for help. State the following: “stop” and put your palms up to signal you feel threatened! Tell the person to not approach you. If the person backs away or apologizes for startling you, then his/her intent is likely non-threatening. If he/she continues to approach or engage you, run to get help. Be aware of emergency phones and use emergency services on your cell phone.
Lastly, remember the slogan “see something, say something.”
If you see or encounter anything suspicious, report it to the appropriate authorities, even if you think it might not be significant at the time. It could later prove to be critical information.
Interested in more? Click below to learn some safety tips to share with your employees on how to catch more sleep.
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