Some areas seem as though they’re built to support criminal activity. Areas that are not well lit, that have a particular vantage point, or those that might be isolated and quiet can easily become high crime areas. Of all the structures, parking lots and garages tend to have higher crime rates than many other public spaces.
Protecting people in public areas
Building owners and property management companies have obligations to support public safety on their property. Here are some facts about crime in parking areas that you may not have known:
- Statistics reported by the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) state that more than 1 in 10 property crimes happen in parking lots/garages.
- Criminals are considered more likely to frequent areas that are unlit at night or quiet.
- Parking lot/garage attendants, security guards/safety officers, plus the use of powerful lighting and surveillance cameras go a long way to deterring crime in these areas.
- 43% of men report they were in a parking lot, commercial or public area at the time of an assault
Pursuing compensation for victims of crime
A victim of a crime may find that there are few options for justice if the perpetrator of a crime isn’t caught. The trauma of a violent crime can have lasting effects on a person, creating complications for their professional and personal lives. For victims of crime, an attorney experienced in premises liability may be able to identify where property owners and managers have been negligent – regarding how a property might be maintained to prevent crime.