• City of Lubbock
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• Crime Prevention Tips
• Parking Lot Safety

Parking Lot Safety

• Be alert as to you surroundings. Look for vehicles that may have followed you into the parking lot. Make several turns in a parking lot to verify if someone has followed you. If you believe you are being followed, do not get out of your vehicle (doors should be locked) and stay in a well traveled and well lit area. For example, go to a convenient store, service station, restaurant, etc. and call 911.
• Look for strangers or suspicious persons who may appear to be watching you, who are sitting in vehicles or standing or walking in the parking lot.
• Park as close to your destination as possible.
• Do not park near shrubbery, large vehicles, dumpsters, or anything that blocks your view or provides a place for someone to hide.
• Remember where you parked so you do not spend a lot of time walking around in the parking lot when you are ready to leave. If the parking lot has an area identifier, take note of that area where you parked.
• If it’s night, park in a well lighted area and in a well traveled area; not in an isolated area.
• Look around your vehicle before you get out; pay attention to the surroundings and any suspicious activity.
• Do not leave any personal items that have your name, address, etc. on them in sight, in your vehicle.
• Put all valuables, packages, purses, in the trunk area of your vehicle, if you do not have a trunk area, hide the items under a coat, blanket, etc., inside the vehicle.
• Make sure ALL the windows are rolled all the way up and vent windows are locked.
• Make sure ALL the doors are locked before leaving the vehicle.
• If possible, wait for other people to walk to your destination with before you exit your vehicle.
• If the business provides a shuttle service to pick you up in the parking lot and take you to an entrance, use it.

• If you are working after dark, try to move your vehicle closer to the building before it gets dark.
• If you work at night frequently, consider a security system for your vehicle, especially one with a panic button which sounds either the horn or a siren, or consider either a police whistle, mace or pepper spray.
• If you have to work late, notify someone you are working late and give them a phone number where you can be reached, and about how late you will be working.
• Do not overload yourself with packages, bags, office work, etc. If necessary move your vehicle closer and make several trips or move vehicle to a loading area and load items there.
• Walk in a group with other employees or customers to your vehicle.
• If you have to walk alone to your vehicle, try to get a co-worker that is still working to walk with you to your vehicle, or if there is security available, call security and ask for an escort.
• Again, be aware of your surroundings and be alert of suspicious activity as you walk. If you see anything suspicious, go back inside and call the police.
• Do not walk with your head down; look around you and be observant; assert body language that you are in control and will cause an uproar if bothered.
• Have your vehicle keys out and hold firmly in your hand as you exit the buildings, so you will not have to look for them when you reach your vehicle. Make sure your house keys are separate from your vehicle keys.
• If you are approached by a suspicious person in the parking lot, go back inside quickly and call the police.
• If you are approached and grabbed, then throw your keys as far as possible and begin screaming.
• Never get into a vehicle with a stranger, even if he has a weapon. Most attackers do not want to shot you, they just want you to comply and get into the vehicle, run the opposite way the car is facing and scream, the attacker will usually leave the area.
• Do not have your purse by your side; carry it close to your body, preferably in front. If someone grabs your purse, let go of it, rather than try to hold on to it.
• If you are approached by a suspicious vehicle, walk or run the opposite direction the vehicle is headed and go back inside; do not run around the parking lot.
• If you are approached, get description of the person(s), their appearance, clothing, vehicle, and registration; look at them in the face, this acts to deter any activity, since it aids in identification.
• If you think you are being followed, walk to a lightened area, store, or crowded area, etc. Then call the police or have someone call for you.
• Walk only in main areas, do not take short cuts, and do not walk near shrubbery, dumpsters, or other areas where someone could hide.
• Report any maintenance problems such as burned out lights, defective door locks, etc. immediately.
• As you approach your vehicle, look under it and around it.
• Keep your vehicle in good condition, mechanically, tires, oil, plenty of gasoline, and make sure the light inside the vehicle works when door is opened.
• Check the inside of your vehicle when you open the door before you get inside the vehicle.
• Lock all the doors just as soon as you get inside the vehicle. When starting the vehicle, turn on the lights if it is night time.
• If you are approached by a suspicious person while you are inside your vehicle, do not roll down your window and do not unlock or open a door, honk the horn and drive away if possible.
• Do not let someone tell you something is wrong with your vehicle, go to a safe area, such as a convenient store, service station etc. and check on the vehicle.
• If you think you are being followed when you leave the parking lot, stay in a lightened and well-traveled area, do not get in an isolated area, go to a convenient store, service station, business, etc. and call the police.