what are some measures I can take to stay safe in rough neighborhoods?

Parking in unsecured areas is probably unavoidable but 'open' seems better than 'inclosed'. If you're getting robbed wasp spray will probably get you killed. You can search high-crime areas on the internet and avoid parking in those.

Sorry to keep editing: I'm looking at Trucker Apps and there seem to be a few that address this issue. No suggestions right now but might be an option.

 

Don't get out of your truck after dark, of course lock the doors, dont get out of the sleeper, cause someone who may knock on your door may have a gun pointed at you through the window, can buy a two inch strap & ratchet cheaply, and on the old freightliner doors if you wanted wrap the strap by the handle to close door and ratchet it shut. NOT to tight, not going for a test of strength here, secure these stupid hatches they put on sleepers, people was prying them open while you slept and spraying like ether in there with you and making you go into deep sleep, and unable to wake while they rob you.. Or best bet just stay outside the city limit til daybreak and don't park in such a place, if you see bars on barbershops, and all businesses, its usually a good sign you're not in a perfect neighborhood.

 

Don't make eye contact with people or engage them...some areas I went to that had heavy truck traffic there always seemed to be the guy that would help "direct" you or clean out the trailer. That Kroger DC on I think the southeast side of Atlanta by the Pilot is the worst place...guys on the street in yellow vest and a flashlight acting like they are there to help. Would suck if you sprayed someone with wasp spray and got yourself. I always figured that if someone tried to get in the truck that they wouldn't be familiar with how to climb in and while they are trying I would be pounding their skull with a tire bat or better yet the tandem pin puller.

 

Dont go to them. I have my wife with me so it is a bit different for me. I have told dispatch she rides with me I will not stay in Downtown Philly, NY, and no way in hell will I go to Detroit. We only stay in West Memphis at our terminal.

Stay with other trucks. Safety in numbers. If they want the load give it to them. We were told to put up fight but not going tto lose my lofe over stuff that can be replaced.

 

get close,but out of city.

like an hour from Chicago, not in Gary, but down I-65 a bit.

run in deliver and got my load out.

no load out and running out of hours ? I leave and head for a safe place to wait.

 

Now Chicago, I deliever in Kenosha, WI alot out of KY. So, about out of hours whwn I drop I either go to the 340 in WI, or the TA at the 1 in Russell, though I have stayed on the service plazas on the 294 if there is parking. If not and have hours we have a yard in South Holland stay therw too.