Hotel Parking Lot Safety Tips
Common Sense Basics to Prevent Theft and Attacks
Business travelers need to develop car awareness to prevent theft and personal attacks at hotel parking lots.
Most business travelers in the US do drive their cars or take a rental when they travel, unless the destination city has excellent public transit, like in New York City or San Francisco. Unfortunately, a car is a target for thieves, particularly when left unattended in hotel parking lots. A few tips to raise your parking lot awareness will prevent theft of your car and/or valuables, or even an attack on you!
Pick the Right Hotel
Thieves are found at all price points, from No-Tell Motels, to the Four Seasons. Call ahead to find out if the hotel has any parking lot security, or if the local police do regular drive-bys both day and night. Ask if the lot is well lit, and if cars can easily be seen from the hotel windows. Valet parking is usually a safe bet. Do avoid the seediest hotels, though.
Pick the Right Spot to Park
Try to park where you can see your vehicle from the hotel window. Park under a light, or as close to the parking lot lights as possible. Alternatively, park close to the lobby area or manager's office - somewhere rather public. Do not select parking spots far off in dark lot corners, under thick trees or behind Dumpsters. Common sense, right? Use it.
In Your Car
Keep valuables out of site. In fact, keep anything remotely portable out of sight. Cars have been broken into for a few used CDs left lying on the seat. An empty car interior is the least appealing to a thief. Place all bags in the trunk and lock it. Lock your car doors, too, and use a theft deterrent device or arm your car security system. Cover up anything you must leave in the car with a car blanket or sweatshirt. Take an extra look at your car every time you walk away.
Most especially, do not leave the following in view, in a parked car:
- Briefcases, purses, tote bags, luggage
- Electronic devices - Laptops, headphones, Gameboys, MP3 players, PDAs, cell phones, your sacred Blackberry 8800
- Audio equipment (a good brand car CD player should be covered up somehow)
- Golf clubs
- Keys
- Personal papers - Identity thieves go for white collar looking cars. Shred all documents when traveling or take them with you
- Sunglasses
- Watches, jewelry
- Packages
- Shopping bags
- CDs
- Gym bags
- Sporting gear, ski equipment
- Wrapped gifts
- Pet Chihuahuas. Actually small dogs are a major target for theft, but dogs should not be left in parked cars for other reasons too.
Walking in the Parking Lot
Have keys in hand - no fumbling around. Predators prefer people who look distracted and confused. Look inside car windows before getting into any car, in case an attacker is inside. A keychain light can help you find the lock quickly and efficiently. Unlock the car quickly, get inside, and immediately lock back up. Keep cell phones charged, powered on and near at hand, and do not hesitate to call 911 if threatened.
Try not to walk alone at night in parking lots. Women and the elderly especially should ask hotel security to accompany them to their vehicles at night.
Related:
Hotel Room Safety Tips: Room and Door Awareness for Business Travelers
Hotel Room Security Tips: Safeguard your Valuables when Traveling
