Where and how you park your car can be just as important for you as for your car. This advice comes from police concerned about safety in some car parks. To raise security standards in UK parking buildings, police are offering a new award for parks that achieve a desired standard in safety and security.
This means better lighting and smartened up surveillance procedures. Buildings with these improved standards report that car crime has fallen by 70 per cent.
Police want motorists to improve their awareness of car crime too. A safety officer had this advice: ”If you can't find a secure car park, for your own safety and security park somewhere quite busy and well lit at night. If possible reverse into the space so you can get away quickly in an emergency. Choose car parks of good standard. If you are in a multi-storey car park, choose a space close to an exit and preferably away from pillars. Lock all doors, close windows and use any security devices you have. Don’t leave valuables – or anything really – on view.
“Have your keys ready when returning to your vehicle. Before you get in, look into the back seat to make sure no one has climbed in. It’s best to choose a well supervised a car park with restricted entry and exit points and CCTV cameras.”
There’s advice too for parking at home. Install security lights over the space where you park at night, and if you have a garage, use it. Police add: “If you don't have a garage, leave your car where you can see it easily from your home - and where neighbors can see it.”
Car parking buildings that achieve these new security standards have a plaque prominently on view. These are the safest places to park, police say.
