In my last post I said I would write a bit about safety in parking lots.  So here goes with the first tip:

When you approach your car, look around before you get there.  That’s right–before.  That means as you are walking around the parking lot looking for your car.  Why do this?  Because if you see something or someone who looks like they are waiting for you, leave the area and ask for an escort.  Always do this.  Another reason to look first–the person waiting may not know your car.  But they will when they see you go to open it up.  Now, if you are worried about a mugger who targets people randomly, that’s not necessarily a big deal.  But if you are worried (or should be) about a specific person with a specific grudge against you–it’s important to deny them as much information as possible.