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Safer Parking Initiative Holiday Parking Tips

10 Tips to Safer Holiday Shopping, from Canadian Direct Insurance

1. Choose a parking facility with the Safer Parking Award Logo!
2. Many stores will hold purchases in the store while you shop – no need to leave them in your car.
3. Limit the number of stops you make during the same trip. Every time you leave your car there is an opportunity for thieves to break-in.
4. Do not store gifts or purchases in your trunk – thieves often follow customers out to their car only to break into the trunk when they leave.
5. Use a visible anti-theft device and vehicle immobilizer; they make your car safer and give you a discount on your insurance.
6. Spread out your holiday shopping trips, so gifts don’t accumulate in your vehicle.
7. Remove garage door openers and insurance papers from your car. Together they will give a thief your home address, and a way to get in.
8. Don’t leave ANY possessions in your vehicle. Leave a sign on your dashboard that says there are no possessions in the car.
9. Choose a parking facility that is clean and bright, has onsite security features and a parking attendant.
10. Make sure the parking facility has noticeable entrance and exit points for vehicles and pedestrians.

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About the Safer Parking Initiative

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Operating in Vancouver since February 2008, the Safer Parking Initiative is a partnership between the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and a coalition of business partners including parking lot owners and operators and community groups.   

The program’s first year has produced outstanding results for many Safer Parking Awarded lots by decreasing rates of auto crime and, in turn, increasing revenues by encouraging new and repeat customers who park for longer periods of time.   The number of designated Safer Parking Facilities continues to grow steadily, as demand for cleaner and safer parking lots in the downtown core continues.

Our Mandate is to improve the reality and perception of safety and security in Vancouver parking facilities

• by co-operative action with the Vancouver Police Department, the parking industry, businesses, citizens groups and consumers;
• by policies and procedures that sustain or improve the profitability of parking facilities.

Canadian Direct Insurance and the Vancouver Police Department operate the Safer Parking Program (SPP) that assess the safety of parking facilities and grants awards to facilities that meet regulatory safety standards.

Click on this link to find out where to park safer.