The news emerging from Los Angeles this week is chilling. Authorities found a man in his 50s bound with duct tape inside his own vehicle in a parking structure on the 6100 block of West Century Boulevard, just outside LAX. After robbing the victim at gunpoint, the attacker tied him up and abandoned him until a security guard luckily discovered the scene. This incident shatters the illusion that reaching your car guarantees safety. Consequently, we must view parking structures as transition zones where we face the highest vulnerability. Standard “awareness” is no longer sufficient; therefore, we need to treat the walk to the car as a tactical event.
1. The “Passenger Seat” Sweep
Reports indicate the attacker ambushed and bound the victim inside his car, implying the predator either forced their way in or lay in wait. Before you unlock your doors, circle the vehicle and visually sweep the interior. Specifically, check the back seat through the window . However, the most critical step happens once you enter. Lock the doors immediately. Avoid sitting there to check your phone. Furthermore, resist the urge to adjust the GPS or check your hair in the mirror. The moment you sit down, hitting the lock button becomes the priority. Your car essentially becomes a metal cage if someone forces their way in while you remain distracted.
2. Avoid the “Remote” Unlock
We frequently click the unlock button on the fob while still 20 feet away to be efficient. Unfortunately, this signal identifies exactly which car belongs to you, giving a predator valuable seconds to position themselves or rush the door. Instead, keep your keys in your hand and only unlock the driver’s door when you stand right next to it. Most modern cars allow for a single-door unlock setting—use it. Never unlock all four doors in a public garage, as it invites danger from multiple angles.
3. The “Stairwell” Trap
Security experts identify parking structure stairwells and elevators as dangerous choke points. These areas are often isolated, echoey, and devoid of cell service. If you spot someone lingering near the elevator or loitering in the stairwell, do not enter. Rather, walk back to the main level or wait for a group. Predators utilize these confined spaces because the victim has no exit. If you park at night, pay the extra money for valet or premium parking closer to the terminal entrance rather than saving $10 to park in a dark corner.
4. Baggage as a Decoy
Loading luggage into a trunk creates a significant distraction. You have both hands full, and you typically turn your back to the open garage. Whenever possible, back your car into the spot so the trunk faces the aisle, not the dark corner. However, if you cannot back in, keep your head on a swivel. Crucially, if someone approaches while you load, drop the bag and create distance immediately. The bag remains replaceable; in contrast, your life is not. Never fight for a suitcase.
5. Trust the “Glitch” in Your Gut
When something feels off—a van parked too close to your driver’s side, a person walking with no clear destination, or a vehicle idling without lights—trust that instinct. Immediately return to the terminal or locate a security guard. Frequently, we suppress our survival instincts to avoid being “rude” or feeling silly. Remember that the attacker bound the man in this story with duct tape; feeling “silly” is far better than being a victim. Ultimately, prioritize safety over politeness.
Security Is Active, Not Passive
We cannot rely solely on patrols to save us. Although a guard eventually found the victim, the discovery happened only after the crime had concluded. You act as your own primary security detail. Stay off your phone, remain alert, and exit the structure quickly.
Does this story change how you’ll park at the airport next time? Share your thoughts below.
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The post 5 Safety Tips After the Violent Armed Robbery Reported Near LAX Parking Structures appeared first on Budget and the Bees.
