Don’t be a victim of a carjacking

There has been an alarming increase in carjacking.Carjacking is the fastest growing and potentially the most dangerous of all the crimes against person and property.

The National Crime Victimization Survey states an average of 49,000 completed and attempted carjacking’s occurred in the US each year.

Reasons for Carjacking

The most frequent reasons are:

  1. Improved security devices on cars make it more difficult to steal a car, so carjacking becomes the easy alternative.
  2. To rapidly escape the scene of a crime.
  3. To steal an expensive or specific make of vehicle to sell in another country or for parts in a “chop shop.”

Most Frequent Victims of Carjacking

  1. The elderly.
  2. Females alone/with children.
  3. People preoccupied, not alert or aware of surroundings.
  4. People parked in isolated or darkened areas, dark streets, parking lots or driveways.

Tips to Prevent Carjacking – How to Protect Yourself While Parking or Entering Your Vehicle

  1. Park in a well-lit area.
  2. When returning to your parked car, be aware of the surroundings.Look into the backseat before opening the car door.As you approach the car, look for someone hiding underneath the vehicle.At night, use a flashlight to illuminate under the car and the backseat.Walk with purpose and be alert.Approach your car with key in hand.Be wary of people asking for directions, handing out fliers, etc.Trust your instincts.If someone makes you feel uneasy get in your car quickly.Lock the doors and drive away.
  3. Install an anti-theft device that has an ignition shut off button or have a panic button alarm system that can be activated if you sense trouble.
  4. Always keep the car filled to at least half a tank of gas and sign up for a towing service.
  5. Know that parking lots in shopping areas and work places are the favorite areas for carjackers, followed by city streets, residential driveways and gas stations.

Tips to Prevent a Carjacking – How to Protect Yourself While Driving

  1. When driving it is important to appear confident and in control.If you appear lost, weak or preoccupied you increase your chances of becoming a victim.
  2. Lock your car doors when driving and keep your windows up.Get fresh air from the air conditioner or fan.Many carjacking’s occur at red lights and stop signs.
  3. Avoid driving alone, if possible, especially at night.
  4. Do not leave pocketbooks or valuables on the seat which can be observed from outside.Place these items on the floor and the pocketbook under the front seat.The trunk is best.
  5. Carjacking occurs on weekends more frequently than on weekdays, so be especially alert on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
  6. When you go to a gas station, turn off your ignition and lock your car when you go to pay the attendant.
  7. Do not stop if you see a stranger whose car is broken down on the side of the road.Call for help via cell phone or gas station phone.
  8. On a highway, drive in the center lane.This reduces your chance of becoming a “bump-and-rob” victim.
  9. “Bump and Rob” is a method carjackers use to steal a car and sometimes kidnap the occupants.It works like this: a car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger, bumps the rear of your car in traffic.You stop; get out to check for damage and exchange information.Then either the driver or one of the passengers (partners) jumps into your car and drives off. Immediately write down the license plate, make and model of the vehicle and number of occupants in the vehicle if possible.

Gun in the Car

You have a right, as a lawful citizen, to seek a concealed weapons permit.NEVERleave a gun in the car can be easily stolen when the car is parked and hard to get to if carjacked.It could also provide a criminal with a weapon.If legally licensed to carry a handgun, keep it on your person where it is accessible in an emergency.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS!!