| Why do parking lots scare many of us when it | | | | around lots. Here are some important tips: |
| comes to violent crime? It starts with the fact that | | | | Park in well-lighted areas--well lit means you can see |
| similarly to hotel hallways, they often seem to be | | | | 100 feet at night |
| void of people, especially at night. Combined with the | | | | Go out of your way and spend the extra time to |
| other fact that many high-rise garage parking lots are | | | | park in well-traveled, busier areas |
| designed with security-unfriendly areas such as walls, | | | | If you are alone, come and go with groups of people |
| pillars and elevation changes (where people may be | | | | who may be walking your way |
| lurking) and we begin to see the reason why our | | | | Lock your vehicle doors when you leave your car |
| common sense makes us apprehensive. Even large | | | | If available, and you feel uncomfortable, ask for a |
| open parking lots like the ones attached to shopping | | | | security officer to walk you to your car |
| malls can offer a thief or violent predator great | | | | Do not walk with your mind consumed by thoughts |
| visibility to watch for security patrols, escape routes | | | | such as what you need to purchase or other tasks |
| and potential victims. | | | | you may have to attend to later. Be aware about |
| Types of Crime | | | | what is going on around you NOW. Are there |
| The most common parking lot crime is vandalism or | | | | suspicious people in the area or near your car? Is |
| theft. In regards to violent crime, the most common | | | | there a van parked next to your vehicle that wasn't |
| are purse snatching, robbery, carjacking and | | | | there before? Be aware of present dangers and act |
| abductions. | | | | accordingly. |
| The design, lack of people, and horror stories we've | | | | Get in your car as quickly as possible. Most |
| all heard about all combine with our natural instincts to | | | | abduction's occur when people are getting into or |
| bring forth apprehension around certain lots and | | | | loading up their vehicles |
| garages. And don't be mistaken, this is a good thing. | | | | Immediately, lock your doors. This should become |
| Without normal apprehension we'd be walking off | | | | second nature, like putting your seat belt on |
| cliffs, walking into traffic, and in short, doing some | | | | whenever you get into your car |
| real stupid, dangerous things. Of course, I'm | | | | If available, and you can afford it, use valet parking |
| simplifying a bit about the positives of our natural | | | | You can also choose to carry self-defense weapons |
| common sense; however, our natural instincts are | | | | such as Pepper-Spray or other legal items for your |
| real and useful. | | | | safety and security. If you chose this option, |
| You do not need to feel foolish if you find yourself | | | | remember to become truly knowledgeable in their |
| nervous in circumstances where common sense | | | | use and have it close and ready at hand. |
| dictates apprehension. The key for you is to not | | | | Calm, realistic awareness is the beginning step you |
| become over apprehensive. Calm, awareness of | | | | need. In addition to your awareness, stay mindful of |
| dangerous possibilities is what's needed. | | | | the tips mentioned, along with trusting your common |
| Tips | | | | sense and you'll be much better off going to and |
| There are certain things we can do to lesson our | | | | from your parking lot destinations. |
| chances of being victims of violent crime in and | | | | |