Although the hours of daylight are increasing as we head towards brighter spring months, February is still a time when many of us leave home and return in the dark. Lack of light adds a layer of concealment for people with ill intent. What steps can you take to protect yourself in twilight hours? Here are tips you can use to stay safe in the dark.
Arriving
Park in well-lit areas, close to entrances/exits, and avoid lingering in a parked car while it’s dark. If possible, park next to a barrier on the driver’s side, like a cart corral, that would prevent another vehicle from parking beside you on your vulnerable side. Avoid other vehicles backed into parking spaces, especially if the driver is still inside. Avoid parking in a position where your driver’s side door and another vehicle’s driver’s side are adjacent.
If you have small children with you, for example at a shopping center, teach the verbal command PARKING LOT RULES. Once children hear the command, they must put one hand on a shopping cart or on a parent/adult. This reduces the risk of a child being grabbed by a stranger or of a child wandering into the path of moving vehicles.
Loitering in a parking lot should be considered suspicious activity. If others are congregated near the entrance do not walk into the establishment alone.
Your phone can serve as a useful safety tool, but don’t allow it to become a distraction.
Exiting
If you suspect someone is following you to your car, the instinct is to get to the safety of your vehicle. However, this isolates you from others who can help, and provides the suspicious person with an advantage to overpower you physically as you get into the vehicle. Instead, return to a public location, shopping center, or office building.
If you suspect someone is following you in a vehicle, avoid the instinct to get to the safety of your home. This leads the suspect directly to your residence which compromises your entire family’s safety. Drive to a public location such as a fire or police station. Just entering the parking lot will likely deter the suspect.
Report
Anytime you experience a suspicious encounter, make it known to authorities. This includes security guards, law enforcement, or building management. Review of video can help identify the suspect and prevent others from being victimized.
