Lesson 33 · Prevention
Car park, vehicle and entrance
Check the confined area. Prepare access. Withdraw when uncertain.
When unlocking something, attention and hands focus on keys, a bag or a phone. Car parks, garages and entrances combine this brief distraction with limited routes. Prepare keys and free your hands before entering so you can turn back immediately if something is wrong.
Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Start in a familiar, low-risk setting and identify a clear exit or support option.
- Separate observable behaviour from assumptions about a person.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
Recognise the situation and act early
The four illustrations connect perception, positioning and a safer exit.
Check before entering
Remove headphones and put the phone away before entering. Briefly check the surroundings, people, lighting, open doors and the route back.
Prepare access
Have the correct key accessible without trapping it between the fingers as a weapon. Keep the bag close, hands free and footwear secure enough for movement.
Do not wait in the confined area
If someone approaches conspicuously, do not remain with your back turned at a door or vehicle and do not unlock automatically. Preserve distance and return to a busier area.
Aborting is the right choice
Do not investigate a damaged lock, open vehicle door, unknown person nearby or blocked route. Withdraw and contact security, police or someone you trust to accompany you.
Sound decisions
- Prepare access before reaching the confined area
- Consider lighting and the route back
- Choose distance rather than investigation when uncertain
- Use the phone or navigation only after locking the vehicle
Avoid
- Searching for keys for a long time with your head down
- Letting an unknown person into the building out of politeness
- Investigating something suspicious alone between vehicles
- Sitting in an unlocked car while reading messages
Knowledge check
Choose the option that preserves safety
You reach your vehicle and notice a rear door open even though you are certain you locked it. What should you do?
- AInspect it alone immediately.
- BKeep your distance, return to a busy area and contact security or police.
- CClose the door and get in.
- DCrawl under the vehicle and search.
Show answer
B. An unexplained open door may indicate interference or someone near the vehicle. Distance and support are safer than investigating alone.
If a vehicle or entrance looks wrong, do not unlock it: step back, return to other people and call for help.