Staying Safe in Parking Lots and Preventing Theft

These days, crime is up all over the country. No matter where you go, crime is there. Many parking lots are prime places for criminal acts to occur. Even in the parking lots of brand new, high dollar shopping centers, crime exists. For the most part you are probably safe in parking lots during the day in your hometown. However, it is better to be safe than sorry. Here are a few things to keep in mind aimed at keeping you safe.

One of the more prevalent crimes that occur in parking areas occurs when vehicles are broken into. Breaking into a vehicle is very easy and quick to do for criminals. Criminals that break into vehicles go for all types of vehicles, old and new, cheap and expensive. However, there are a few things that stick out to criminals, making it difficult for them to NOT break into the vehicle. One of these things is a purse or wallet. Women do this all of the time. They know they are only going to be in a store or building for a sort time, so they put their purse under the seat or in the trunk. This is a terrible thing to do. Criminals lookout for this sort of thing, and they will either notice the woman "hide" the purse, or they will notice her entering the building without a purse. This is very appealing to criminals, who will then find a way to get into the vehicle, get the purse, and be on their way. With identity theft as prevalent as it is today, having a purse or wallet stolen can be very difficult to recover from.

Another thing criminals look for in vehicles is shopping bags. People will get tired of carrying newly acquired purchases, so they will put them in the car and return to the store. Or, they will go shopping at one store, put the bags in the car, and drive to another store. Criminals cannot resist grabbing these bags. It happens all the time, and people get so disappointed when their new items are gone.

One final thing that attracts criminals to break into a certain vehicle is a vehicle with valuables left in plain view. People will leave portable DVD players, cell phones, and even laptops in plain view. This is like leaving a note saying "Break Into This Vehicle". If you don't have an opportunity to remove the items from the vehicle, at least hide them BEFORE you get to your destination. This will make it less tempting for criminals.

Parking lots are also vulnerable places for attacks, especially against women. When parking at night, try to park under or near a light. When putting items in your vehicle stay alert. When walking to your vehicle have your keys in hand. Many cars are equipped with a panic button. Don't be afraid to use it. There have been cases where women are putting items into their vehicle trunk when they are attacked from behind. Stay alert and put items in the car quickly. Most shopping centers and businesses have security guards on hand. Get one to escort you to your vehicle, especially if you are alone or have a lot of bags with you.

This information is not meant to scare anybody. However, it is important to know what is out there in order to keep from being the next victim.