Safer Parking Scheme
Reducing crime in car parks
Around 20% of all car crimes occur in car parks. Home Office research has shown that car park crime can be reduced by up to 80% by implementing appropriate design changes and management practices.
- The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Secured Car Parks Scheme was launched in 1992 with the aim to develop security standards and reduce crime in all types of car park.
- Following a Home Office review in 2002 the scheme was relaunched in 2004 as the 'Safer Parking Scheme'.
- The way the scheme is administered was changed to make it accessible to a wider range of car parks. Emphasis shifted from the design lead approach of the earlier scheme to a risk-based approach that allows operators to consider and implement a wider range of options to reduce crime and the risk of crime.
- Car parks that achieve the requirements may become members of the Safer Parking Scheme and are entitled to display the 'Park Mark' logo.
- The Safer Parking Scheme is an ACPO initiative supported by the Home Office and Scottish Executive and managed by the British Parking Association (BPA).
- To find Safer Parking Scheme car parks in your area look for the Park Mark logo or visit the website www.saferparking.com (link opens a new window)
- If you're a car park operator and want to find out more about how to join the scheme you can find details on the www.britishparking.co.uk (link opens a new window)
Remember if you feel safe and secure in a car park then a thief probably won't. On the other hand, if you don't feel safe the thief probably will – don't park there.