All across the nation parking lots are high crime areas. Especially while traveling, you are vulnerable in these places, so you need to be aware and alert. Traveling, on business or on vacation, your mind is apt to be concentrating on something else besides the dangers which might be hiding right beside you.

Beware of
Parking Lot Dangers

By Laura Quarantiello
© Tiare Publications Group

Laura Quarantiello is the author of "On Guard! – How to Win the War
Against the Bad Guys"

Here are some strategies
to help assure your safety in strange parking lots.

When you park in lot try to find a spot as near to your destination as possible – even if you have to drive around a few times before something opens up.
At night, park in a lighted area if at all possible.
Always lock your car when you leave it – even if you expect to be gone only a minute.
Don't leave your car unlocked and never, never leave the keys in the ignition.
Lock any packages or other items already in the car (like your camera or brief case) in the trunk.

Be alert. Stay Alive!

Scan the area as you return to your car.
You should be watching your car as soon as you can see it to note if anyone is hanging around your car, sitting in a nearby vehicle or lurking between the rows.
Take the shortest route when you are walking back to your vehicle but avoid shortcuts that put you between cars and out of the general view.
Carry a flashlight at night and check the cars you pass on the way back to yours. Flash the light up and down rows and on your car as you approach it. Pay special attention to what may be along the sides of your vehicle and underneath.

Just as soon as you get to your car, set any bags or parcels on the hood or roof so that your hands are free. Once the key is inserted, or if you have keyless entry as you reach for the door handle look ahead, left, right and behind you. Observe other people in the area.

Always, always, check the back seat before you slide into the driver's seat because the backseat is a popular hiding place.

Load your packages quickly, get in and IMMEDIATELY lock the doors before you do anything else.

Remember that just being inside a car
does not give you ironclad protection.

If your car should be blocked or if anyone tries to accost you while
you're in your vehicle, turn on the lights and sound the horn – long
and loud. If this does not produce results quickly enough, turn on your flashers too and race your motor.

The more noise you make and the more attention you attract the quicker the criminal will abandon you for easier prey.

(End)

Laura Quarantiello is the author of "On Guard! – How to Win the War Against the Bad Guys" – a vitally important manual that will help keep you and your family from becoming crime victims and away from all the creeps and crazies out there. More info at: http://www.tiare.com/onguard.htm

Beware of Parking Lot Dangers

Beware of
Parking Lot Dangers