Tips: Parking Lot Safety

  • Oct 13, 2009

As daylight continues decreasing this fall, parking facilities will likely become more dangerous. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, parking lots are the third most common place where crimes occur with nearly 1,400 violent crimes committed each day.

The most frequent crime in parking lots is theft or vandalism, but victims are also vulnerable to more violent crimes such as robbery and assault.

"With the holiday season coming up and more shoppers expected to park in lots later at night, it's important to be aware of the surroundings and choose a safe place to park," said Anndee Soderberg, ADT marketing manager of small business. "There are many things to look for, especially bright lighting and security cameras."

To help prevent becoming a victim of parking lot crime, these safety tips are suggested:

  • Park in well-lit lots or structures with regular security patrols and cameras. Avoid parking in dark, secluded spots or in corners of structures that may provide natural hiding places.
  • Avoid parking next to large trucks or vans that have sliding doors that can allow assailants to quickly pull people inside.
  • Scan the parking lot for anything or anyone suspicious both as you park your car and when you return. If you see suspicious activity, return immediately to a store or office and call the police.
  • Before entering your vehicle, visually scan it to make sure no one is hiding inside or underneath. Consider carrying a small flashlight on your keychain to help you see.
  • Once you get in your car, start your engine and leave the parking lot immediately.
  • Do not leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle. Put items in the trunk or hide them in the car.
  • Choose parking spots near security cameras which act as a deterrent.
  • Also look for security cameras in tunnels and near walkways that connect parking lots to buildings.

"Parking facilities are places where people are vulnerable to crime, but by following these tips and remaining vigilant, people can help ensure their safety," Soderberg said.

Featured

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

  • SIA Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Read Now

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • ComNet CNGE6FX2TX4PoE

    The ComNet cost-efficient CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is a six-port switch that offers four Gbps TX ports that support the IEEE802.3at standard and provide up to 30 watts of PoE to PDs. It also has a dedicated FX/TX combination port as well as a single FX SFP to act as an additional port or an uplink port, giving the user additional options in managing network traffic. The CNGE6FX2TX4PoE is designed for use in unconditioned environments and typically used in perimeter surveillance.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.