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18 - Car Parking Safety
The Website For The Smart and Savvy Traveler
ALWAYS use valet parking when available.
Ask someone to accompany you while going to the parking lot.
Place your valuables out of sight in the car.
Always keep all your doors locked and windows fully shut, whether parked or driving.
Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight locked in the trunk, and then take them with you when you leave the car.
Don't park your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or municipality does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area.
Do not get out of the car if there are suspicious-looking individuals nearby, drive away.
If parking on a street, choose an area that is well lit, busy and ideally overlooked by CCTV - an ideal deterrent for potential attackers.
If using public car parks, choose one that is well lit, has security patrols, restricted entry and exit points and always check closing times.
Reverse into the parking space and try and park close to the lift/stairway. This allows for an easy exit, should you need itand a lot more people will be passing by.
Check that the interior and glove compartment lights work.
Keep a can of de-icer and a scraper in the car to prevent spending unnecessary time out of your car, scraping the windows. It also means that no-one can approach your car without you being able to see them through the windscreen.
Put children in the car from the near side.
If you are concerned about personal safety, lock all doors once inside the vehicle.
When returning to your vehicle, remember to check in and around your car before unlocking and entering.
Check the back seats before entering the vehicle. A small torch can provide extra visibility.
When returning to your vehicle, if you feel being followed, do not stop at your car, move away and return to the hotel/building.
Enter and exit your vehicle as quickly as possible.
Beware of parking next to side opening, high vans. If one is parked to your driver side on return, enter your vehicle via the passenger side.