Parking Lot Safety in Contra Costa County
Today, we read yet another disturbing post on NextDoor from a lady who was robbed in a local store parking lot here in Contra Costa County. Her account would be frightening for any of us to experience, but it prompted us to find some tips to share for our LRWF membership just as a reminder. This is by no means an all-exclusive list of Do’s and Don’ts, but we hope to provide some reminders to keep in mind as you are going to and from your car in a public parking areas. A list of websites and articles where we found these tips is included below for further reference.
Tips on Staying Safe:
Remember what your parents told you: Lock your car doors.
As soon as you get into your car and before you start driving, lock the car doors. Having the door locked as you are driving could be a deterrent for a would-be robber who might be attempting a carjacking. (Remain alert while driving, especially while stopped at intersections.)
This also means lock the doors immediately upon returning to your car from the store and getting back into your car. Put on your seatbelt and leave the public parking lot as soon as possible, opting to check your phone for messages later, however, if a robber does attempt unsuccessfully to enter your locked car, honk the horn to draw attention to yourself.
Park in well-lit, busy areas where other patrons or employees of the store are likely to be. Trust your instincts. If an area seems suspicious to you, find another place to park.
Before exiting your car, scan the area and proceed when you feel it is safe to do so, locking your car as you leave.
Stay Alert! This means as you are walking to/from the store, put the phone down or take the ear buds out and pay attention to your surroundings.
Walk with purpose and confidence. Thieves are on the lookout for people who they think are walking aimlessly or are potentially easy targets.
When you are leaving the store to head back to your car, have your keys/key fob out and ready to use. Look around before getting in. If you feel unsafe, return to the store.
As an added benefit of having the key fob out and ready, if your car has an “emergency button,” you can either use it to help you find your car OR you will have it at the ready should you begin to feel unsafe. Engaging the emergency alarm will draw attention to any would be robber, something they would like to try to avoid.
As an alternative to the emergency button on your car, there are personal security alarms that are available.
Do not feel embarrassed or guilty about engaging the alarm if you feel concerned. Better to have used it unnecessarily than not to have engaged it and potentially end up a victim.
Do not leave your car running with the keys inside even if you think it is only going to be for a moment.
Keep your cell phone nearby (such as in your pocket) in case you need to call 911.
Experts say that if a robber approaches you with a weapon give up your car without question. Your life is more important!
Keep your heads up, Ladies, and Be Safe!
Sources:
Parking Lot Safety for Women FAQ (crime-safety-security.com)
Crime-Prevention-Flyers (ca.gov)
Parking Lot Safety Tips - Consumer Reports Magazine