Parking lot crimes are prevalent and you do not want to get caught without enough knowledge and information to protect yourself. You should always also be equipped with the right safety tools to protect yourself. Some of these safety tools are pepper sprays, stun guns, mace and self defense classes. It is very important to carry one or all of these safety tools.
Avoid underground or multi story car parks especially at night as they are breeding grounds for vandalism and crime. If they already exist, danger could be minimized by limiting entry points. If you live in a gated community, you are at an advantage and can park your car in front of your home.
Car parks should be no more than sixty meters from dwellings and the path should be well lit and free from shrubbery. Visitors car parks should be well lit, clearly defined and visible from dwellings. If it is desirable to limit access to dwellings, make sure access via car parks is monitored well. In high crime areas, advanced technological surveillance methods may be needed in car parks such as surveillance cameras, hidden wireless cameras and even alarms.
For example, an infrared unit can be made available, which detects the presence of intruders, but not cats and dogs, by body heat and automatically switches on all lights in the car park and turns them off after fifteen to twenty minutes.
Surveillance cameras are a great safety tools for businesses. Individuals who own parking garages need them to monitor and help the customers to feel safe leaving their vehicles and going back to their vehicles. Hidden wireless cameras may be more effective since the thieves or prowlers do not know that it even exists.
Car parks that are enclosed are excellent candidates for this type of surveillance equipment and method. If there is a security guard at the gate, he or she will be able to monitor the parking garage more efficiently. It is in the best interest of the parking garage to take care of their patrons so many of them are getting the hint and providing many different types of safety measures.
Underground garages are the most susceptible to the occurrences of crime. This is where the surveillance equipment is well needed. Most underground garages do carry it, but you must pay attention or ask the security at the gate if there is a surveillance camera before you park your vehicle there.
You must be aware at all times of your environment because the thief is always watching you and trying to find ways to beat the system. There are robbers who do not even care if there is a surveillance system or do not take the time to look for one. They are so brazen these days that the least you can do is to carry a pepper spray, mace or stun gun to protect yourself. You cannot depend on the garage owner to solely provide your protection.
Be aware of your surroundings when you do park your vehicle in a garage. Never take it for granted that there are surveillance cameras around. Try not to use a parking garage at night. Park your vehicle on the street if you can.
