us Personal safety & immediate danger someone waiting by my car • being watched approaching car • suspicious person in parking lot • stranger loitering near vehicle • parking garage safety fear • walking to car alone • unsafe parking lot at night • someone between parked cars • person near my driver door • worried about carjacking • worried about robbery at car • keys out in parking lot • returning to car after shopping • workplace parking lot concern • public parking garage personal safety • someone sitting in nearby car • followed to my car • parking lot 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 busy, staffed place and get security/help to leave safely — call 911 if you feel in immediate danger.

Do not do these things

Don’t keep walking toward your car to “get it over with” or cut between parked cars.
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 (bags, phone, headphones).
Don’t get into your car with someone close enough to rush the door.
Don’t accept a stranger’s offer to “help” you get to your car or check your vehicle.
Don’t drive if you feel too shaken to do it safely — stabilize first.

What to do now

Create distance immediately. Change direction and go back into the nearest staffed place (store, lobby, café, security desk) or toward a group of people. Aim for light + people + cameras.
Ask for an escort, not advice. Tell staff: “Someone is waiting by my car and watching me. Can security walk me to my car or help me leave safely?” Many campuses, hospitals, and malls can provide an escort.
If you feel threatened right now, call 911. Give: exact location (lot name/level/nearest entrance), what you’re seeing, description (clothing/height/vehicle), and where you’re headed. If you’re safer staying inside while calling, do that.
Delay reaching your car until you have support. Wait inside with staff/security until the person leaves, or an escort is with you, or law enforcement/security advise what to do next.
When you do approach the car (with an escort):
- Scan around and inside from a short distance.
- Have your key ready so you don’t fumble at the door.
- If anything feels off (someone too close, door ajar, other people loitering), turn back immediately.
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 roll the window down.
- If you can’t safely drive away (boxed in/blocked), stay locked, use your horn/lights to draw attention, and call 911.
Once you’re safe, report it in a way that fits the location.
- If you’re on a campus, hospital, workplace, or managed lot: report to their security/public safety so they can check the area and cameras.
- If you want to report to police and it’s not an emergency: use your local department’s non-emergency number or online reporting (availability varies). If it becomes urgent at any point, call 911.

What can wait

You do not need to decide whether you’re “overreacting” right now.
You do not need to identify the person, investigate, or collect “evidence”.
You do not need to post online or warn others publicly while you’re still unsettled.
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

Backing away when something feels wrong is a sensible safety choice. You’re allowed to prioritize distance and help over politeness or speed.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for the next few minutes. Later steps (formal reporting, CCTV requests, venue complaints) 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 911.

Additional Resources

Support us

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