How to Get to a Parked Car Without Harm

Personal safety often depends on increasing our personal awareness of crime prevention. Therefore, it is important that you try to anticipate dangerous situations in advance and prepare yourself to take swift action and prevent becoming a potential victim. By practicing certain safety precautions, it is possible to get to your parked car without harm or injury.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Remove from your car anything that might make you a victim of crime. It is best to store valuables, bags or laptops in the trunk of your car so you don't attract thieves. If you are a woman, avoid having window stickers, personalized plates or anything else that can indicate to an attacker that you are a female owner. An attacker looks for these signs and may decide to wait until you return to the vehicle.
2. Leave your car in an open and well-lit area if you are returning to the vehicle after dark. In addition, avoid parking near anything that can obstruct your visibility.
3. Be alert when returning to the car. Pay attention and be careful of strangers loitering near your car. In such situations, it is best to walk away and wait until the person leaves.
4. Look at the parked cars near your vehicle. If there is a big van or truck next to your car, it might be wise to enter the car from the passenger side. This can reduce the chance of being pulled into the other vehicle.
5. Have your car keys in your hands. Taking time to look for keys in a bag or in your pockets can distract you and leave you vulnerable to a potential attack. Check the backseat and passenger side before getting into the vehicle.
6. Get into your car, lock it and drive away. You should avoid sitting alone in the vehicle after returning to it. By following these safety precautions, you can get to a parked car without harm.

Tips & Warnings

• It is also advisable to park a car where there is a security patrol.