| In our fast paced modern living we probably | | | | dwellings; they should be outfitted with |
| don't give the practice of parking our cars | | | | sturdy gates and should never be located near |
| as much thought as we should. As a society, | | | | alleyways. |
| we need to practice common sense when we park | | | | |
| our cars, as we should do in other areas of | | | | Open car parking areas should be small and |
| our behavior. | | | | within view of dwellings. Visitors' car |
| | | | parking areas should be clearly identifiable, |
| There are two categories of crimes involving | | | | well lit, and also visible from dwellings. |
| the action of parking a car. One is property | | | | |
| crime and the second is crime against a | | | | Rape, Assault, Robbery: |
| person. Below is a description of some | | | | |
| crimes in both categories associated with | | | | Poorly planned parking areas increase the |
| parking cars. There are also recommendations | | | | risk of physical assault and robbery against |
| of actions we can take to lessen the chances | | | | the car owner and to the public. |
| that we become victims of crime and a | | | | |
| statistic. | | | | To make car-parking sites safer to the car |
| | | | owners and drivers, planners should provide |
| Theft and Vandalism: | | | | direct access from parking areas to the |
| | | | entrance of dwellings. |
| The rate of theft or vandalism to cars | | | | |
| increases in poorly thought out parking | | | | Car parking sites should be no further than |
| designs or arrangements. Seclusion and | | | | 60 meters from dwellings, and the path should |
| darkness are the best friends of auto thieves | | | | be well lit and free from shrubbery. |
| and vandals. | | | | Shrubbery that blocks the view is a |
| | | | criminal's best friend. |
| Wherever possible, make available to each | | | | |
| dwelling its own locked garage within the | | | | If it is desirable to limit access to |
| property boundaries. Locked garages outside | | | | dwellings, make sure access via car parking |
| the boundaries or well-lit and visible common | | | | sites is monitored as well. |
| car parking areas are the next best things. | | | | |
| | | | In high-crime areas, advanced technological |
| Where private garages are not feasible, | | | | surveillance methods [CCTV, voice alarms, |
| carport or driveway parking is preferable to | | | | infrared, etc.] may be needed in car parking |
| grouped parking away from dwellings. | | | | areas. For example, an infrared unit is |
| | | | available which detects the presence of |
| As a rule, it is recommended that you avoid | | | | intruders [but not cats and dogs] by body |
| underground or multi-story parking garages, | | | | heat, and automatically switches on all |
| as they are breeding grounds for vandalism | | | | lights in the car parking area and turns them |
| and crime. If they already exist, limiting | | | | off after 15 to 20 minutes has passed. |
| access points and providing them with sturdy | | | | |
| locked gates could help minimize risk. On | | | | There are very few areas of our existence |
| the other hand, each resident could be | | | | that cannot be made safer just by applying |
| provided with a lockable garage in their own | | | | some common sense and following precautionary |
| space, with robust vandal proof metal doors, | | | | guidelines. |
| garages within garages, so to speak. Or | | | | |
| users can be provided with a secure lock or a | | | | Make safety and self defense your first |
| plastic keycard, which operates electronic | | | | priority today. Take the time to go over |
| doors or gates. | | | | these guidelines with all your family and set |
| | | | a good example. Remember, thoughts and |
| Grouped car parking areas should be avoided | | | | intentions are great but nothing is done |
| in high-crime areas. If they can't be | | | | unless you take action. Don't hesitate. Do |
| avoided, they should be within view of some | | | | it. |