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uk Personal safety & immediate danger someone waiting by my car • being watched approaching car • suspicious person in car park • stranger loitering near vehicle • parking garage safety fear • walking to car alone • unsafe car park at night • someone between parked cars • person near my driver door • worried about robbery at car • worried about car theft setup • keys out in car park • returning to car after shopping • workplace car park concern • public car park personal safety • someone sitting in nearby car • followed to my car • car park intimidation

What to do if…
you notice someone waiting near your car and watching you approach

Short answer

Stop approaching your car. Turn back to a busier, well-lit place and get help (staff/security/another adult) to leave safely — call 999 if you feel in immediate danger.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t walk past them to “just get it over with” or squeeze between parked cars to reach your door.
  • Don’t confront, argue, or approach to film them up close. (If you want to note details, do it from a safer place.)
  • Don’t unlock your car while distracted (fumbling with bags, looking down at your phone, headphones on).
  • Don’t get into your car with someone close enough to rush the door.
  • Don’t accept a stranger’s offer to “help you find your car” or “check something” on your vehicle.
  • Don’t drive off if you feel too shaken to do it safely — get to a safe place first.

What to do now

  1. Create distance immediately. Change direction and go back into the nearest staffed place (shop, café, station, reception), or towards a group of people. If you’re outdoors, aim for light + people + cameras.
  2. Ask for an escort, not advice. Tell staff: “Someone is waiting by my car and watching me. Can someone walk with me to my car (or call security)?” If there’s car park security, ask them to meet you inside and walk you out.
  3. If you feel threatened right now, call 999. Give your location (car park name/level/nearest entrance), what’s happening, and a description (clothing/height/vehicle).
    • If you can’t safely speak: still call 999. If you’re calling from a mobile, you may be prompted to press 55 (or tap) to confirm it’s a genuine emergency. If you’re calling from a landline, stay on the line and do not hang up.
  4. Delay reaching your car until you have support. Wait inside with staff/security until the person leaves, or you have an escort, or police/security advise what to do next.
  5. When you do approach the car (with an escort):
    • Scan around and inside from a short distance.
    • Have your key ready so you’re not searching in a bag at the door.
    • If anything feels off (someone too close, door/boot ajar, other people loitering), turn back immediately.
  6. If you get into the car: get in, lock doors immediately, start the engine, and leave if you can do so safely.
    • If someone approaches the door/window, do not open the door or window.
    • If you can’t safely drive away (boxed in/blocked), stay locked, use your horn/lights to draw attention, and call 999.
  7. Once you’re safe, report it (if you want to).
    • If it’s not an emergency, you can report to police via 101 or your local force’s online contact options.
    • If you want to report anonymously, you can contact Crimestoppers (online or by phone) when you’re safe.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide whether you’re “overreacting” right now.
  • You do not need to confront them, identify them, or gather “proof”.
  • You do not need to post online, warn others publicly, or argue with anyone about what you saw.
  • You do not need to drive home immediately if you feel shaky — you can stay in the staffed place until you’re steady.

Important reassurance

Noticing something “off” in a car park and backing away is a normal protective response. You’re allowed to prioritise distance and help over politeness or speed.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for the next few minutes. Later steps (formal reporting, workplace/venue complaints, reviewing CCTV) can happen once you’re safe and calm.

Important note

This is general safety information, not legal advice. If you feel in immediate danger, call 999.

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