| As today's malls and shopping centers get bigger and | | | | either in the parking lot or inside the store, alert |
| bigger, so do the parking lots. As a result, many | | | | security. It is always wiser to ask for a security |
| shoppers end up walking long distances from their car | | | | escort than to walk alone into unknown dangers. |
| to the store. This may seem like an everyday | | | | When approaching your car, be aware of anyone |
| necessity, but few people realize the dangers that | | | | else in the parking lot. This is especially important if |
| occur when you are walking through a parking lot, | | | | there are few other cars or people around. Be |
| especially at night. Though it's good exercise, there | | | | particularly wary of anyone who has parked next to |
| are also many potential risks, including theft, assault, | | | | you if there are plenty of other open parking spaces. |
| rape, and even kidnapping. Unfortunately, women | | | | Carry a stun gun, pepper spray canister, or personal |
| especially are likely to walk to their cars alone at | | | | alarm to thwart any potential attack. |
| night, not realizing the dangers associated with this | | | | If you're carrying a lot of bags, pay attention to how |
| commonplace behavior. | | | | you load them into your backseat or trunk. Never |
| Especially if you plan to be at the store past dark, | | | | turn your back to the rest of the parking lot for too |
| park as close to the building as possible. This may | | | | long. Once in your car, lock all of the doors and drive |
| mean circling the lot a few times to find a good | | | | away. Many people let their guard down once inside |
| parking space, but your safety is worth it. Once you | | | | their car, and take time to reapply their makeup, |
| park your car, get out quickly, lock your car, and | | | | check their shopping list, or make a phone call. You |
| walk directly into the store. Take note not only of | | | | must realize that you are vulnerable in this situation. |
| where you parked, but also the lighting and any | | | | Essentially you're sitting in your car, alone and |
| potential hiding spaces around your car. Look for | | | | distracted. This makes you a prime target for any |
| people loitering outside the store; if they are still | | | | attacker. |
| there when you come out, be careful. | | | | Distractions are plentiful when shopping, especially |
| Try to make most shopping trips during the day. If | | | | when heading into or out of the store. It is too easy |
| you must walk to your car at night, take advantage | | | | to become absorbed in your thoughts, going over |
| of any help that is available. Walk out with a group of | | | | your shopping list instead of thinking about what you |
| people, or ask the store for an escort. Although this | | | | are doing. Because we park in parking lots every day, |
| may seem silly, always remember that store security | | | | it is too easy to believe that this activity is |
| is there to keep you safe. If something seems | | | | completely safe and nothing will ever happen. You |
| wrong or dangerous, stay inside the building until you | | | | can never be too cautious, especially when walking to |
| are able to find help. If you see someone suspicious, | | | | your car alone at night. |