Criminals just love the cover
of darkness, to attack you,
your vehicle, or both. When
you're parking your car and
not returning to it until after
dark, here are a few
precautions.
Park in a well-lit and busy
area, such as under a
streetlight, in a lighted
parking garage, or on a
street with lots of traffic.
Consider how lit or busy the
area will be when you return.
A crowded parking garage in
an office complex, for
example, could be deserted
by 8:00 p.m.
Park as close as possible to
your destination. In a
garage, park close to the
parking attendants, the
stairs, or the elevator. This
brings you closer to help,
should there be any threat
to your safety. |
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When you leave the car, tilt
the passenger seat forward.
This gives you a chance
when you return to check
the back seat to see if
anyone as entered the
vehicle and is waiting to
attack.
Back your vehicle into a
parking spot so that you are
always facing out. This lets
you drive away quickly if you
are approached by a
stranger or sense any kind of
trouble.
Don't make your car an easy
target. Make sure it is
locked, and don't keep a
spare key in an obvious
place, such as under the
hood.
There's no sense advertising
what you have that may be
worth stealing - put all
valuables or parcels in the
trunk.
If possible, don't go to your
car alone after dark. Even if
you're leaving alone, try to
arrange for someone to
accompany you as far as
your car. |
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As you approach your
vehicle, have your keys out
of your pocket and ready.
That way, you're not left
fumbling with your pockets
or purse while you're
standing next to the car.
When approaching your
parked vehicle, pay attention
to the cars around you. If a
nearby car has been broken
into, call the police or
security right away - don't
go to your car. The thief
could still be lurking in the
shadows or behind other
parked cars.
When you're safely in the
car, don't let down your
guard. Lock all the doors.
If you have car trouble in a
dark area, lock yourself in
and wait for help. If a
stranger offers to help, don't
get out of the car - ask that
person to call for assistance
instead. |
