Parking Lot Safety and Survival Skills
When I leave the grocery store and my hands are either pushing a shopping cart or they're full of grocery bags, I sometimes get that vulnerable feeling. I wonder just how prepared I am to help myself be less of a target to a potential offender?
This article will address questions we may sometimes ask ourselves as we exit businesses and events and head towards the parking lot.
When you arrive at your destination keep the following in mind:
- Park in an area as close to the front door as possible.
- Park your car where it is well lit, even during the day in case you shop later and it is dark outside.
- Shop and perform as much of your business during the daylight hours.
- Place valuables out of sight or lock them in the trunk.
- Always lock your vehicle even if you're leaving it parked for a short period of time.
- Be aware of your surroundings when exiting and entering your vehicle.
- Before entering your vehicle take a quick peek inside to make sure you don't have any visitors.
- Remember where you park, look confident when walking to your car and lock your door once inside.
Parking lot survival skills are great precautions that can be used by everyone as we educate and help protect ourselves from parking lot criminal activity.
Article by Officer Dan Robles, Priaire Village Police Department
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