Mall Parking Lot Safety Tips

With things like theft, vandalism, abduction and carjacking’s, shopping malls are no strangers to crime.  The most dangerous area of a mall is its parking lot. Walkers and drivers alike are vulnerable to theft when navigating the lot.  Any unattended vehicles with packages are at an even higher risk for break-ins. It’s important to remain alert whenever walking and avoid leaving shopping bags in your car.

Here are a few safety tips that may reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a mall-related crime:

• Be picky where you park.  Even though it might take a while, drive around until you find a spot that’s in a populated area as opposed to settling for a parking space that’s in a dark and remote location.

• Close your windows and lock your doors. Many parking lot thefts happen because drivers don’t secure their vehicle. If you leave your car unlocked, it makes it an easy target for thieves. Make your vehicle less attractive to thieves by cleansing it of anything that might be valuable to a thief.  This includes hiding things like GPS devices, laptops, cellphones, iPods or any other electronic device.  

• Keep focused. Nowadays, people are more distracted than ever.  When walking, people are texting, checking emails, making calls or checking their social media. This is dangerous, as it takes your focus and attention away from what’s happening around you. Whenever walking to and from the store, look to your front and rear. This will allow you to be alert and able to see any suspicious activity or any potential danger, like being struck by a car.

• Assume you’re being watched. Criminals observe shoppers who place purchases in the car or trunk, and then go back into the store.  Once you’ve left your car, it may take only moments to break in your car and grab items.  In the event that you must stow packages in your car while shopping, move your car to a different location, away from anyone who could have been watching. You can also find out if the mall has storage lockers available for shoppers to use or ask security if they can hold your packages until its time for you to leave.

• Avoid dallying. Try to walk like you have a purpose. Never wander, even if you can’t find your car. Before leaving the store, have your car keys in hand so you can be ready to open your car quickly, they can also be used as a weapon if necessary. Once you’ve gotten into your car, immediately lock the doors and drive away. Never sit and do other things, as it will lessen your chances of becoming a target.

• Stranger danger. If you are approached or being chased, scream and yell to draw attention to yourself or go back into the store and alert security. If you notice that you’re being followed, head to an open gas station or a well lit populated area.  In this situation, your best defense is a charged up cellphone so you can call 911.

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