Gun-free dining in Tennesee

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6. The problem is rarely the establishment. ...

Parking lots can be far more dangerous.

Also leaving my firearm behind in my vehicle opens it to theft. I would much rather carry my weapon than allow it to be possibly stolen by a criminal who might sell or misuse it.

Parking Lot Security

Security Planning for Families

by Chris E McGoey, CPP, CSP, CAM

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Property Crime

The most common crime in a parking lots is theft or vandalism. Where else can you find such a selection of automobiles left unattended--it's a thief's dream. The most frequent crimes are auto vandalism and auto burglary. Thieves think nothing about smashing out your car window to steal a stereo, a portable telephone, or some item left on the seat. What they need is a little time and no witnesses. Some parking lots are notorious for auto thefts and auto burglaries. Sometimes the explanation is that they are located adjacent to excellent escape routes such as freeway on-ramps or major high-speed thoroughfares. See our site on Auto theft Facts. Flat parking lots are preferable to thieves because of ease of visibility and ease of escape. Multi-level pay lots offer some deterrence because of the access control and the requirement to pass the video-monitored toll booth upon exit. Valet parking is considered safer because the attendant goes out into the lot for you to retrieve your car. Another benefit is that unauthorized persons stand out in this special parking area that is supposed to be accessed by attendants only. If you are a woman alone, consider using valet parking at hotels and where available, especially at night.

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Violent Crime

The most common violent crimes committed in urban parking lots are stranger-on-stranger purse snatch and strong-arm robbery, and occasionally carjackings and abductions. If you think about it, we are all strangers in a large parking lot. Violent criminals can blend in with the rest of us and get in close proximity fairly easily. Criminal predators can walk right by us and we will allow it because of the public setting. Next time you go to a large shopping center sit in the parking lot for a few minutes and observe how easy it would be for a criminal predator to approach and attack you or your family. Shoppers often walk to and from their cars totally consumed by their thoughts and thinking about what they are going to do next. Next time, watch shoppers as they approach their cars fumbling for their keys. They will turn their backs and attention completely away from those nearby to load their shopping bags into the car, and get children and infants installed inside the vehicle. Most shopping center and parking lot abductions and carjackings occur precisely at this point.

Parking lot robbers are usually opportunists who look for the easiest person to victimize. They cowardly prey on older persons and women most often and prefer to attack them away from witnesses or security officers. These predators like to hang out in the parking lot looking for potential victims. They will pretend to talk on a telephone or watch from inside a car. They will try to get close to their intended victim before they strike. Most victims have said that they never saw the robber approach. You must stay alert at all times. If you see a suspicious male approaching you, change directions. If he appears to follow, look him in the eyes and yell at him to STOP. However, do not stand your ground and confront him. Get out of there, if you can. Run toward other people and point him out. You can always apologize later, if you are mistaken. If no other people are close by, go into the closest store or office building and call the police.
http://www.crimedoctor.com/parking.htm

The article describes a self defense tactic often known as situational awareness. That largely involves nothing more than not walking around with a cell phone glued to your ear but instead be somewhat alert of your surroundings. I feel that it also a good idea to run from an attacker if you can and to make plenty of noise to attract attention.

I legally carry a concealed snub nosed revolver but that doesn't mean that I am looking for an opportunity to blow some fool away. If I am attacked by a person who intends to seriously injure or kill me and has the capacity to do so, I will use my handgun to attempt to stop his attack. Shooting another person is absolutely the last thing that I hope I will ever have to do. I would have to have no other choice if I did so.