The carjacking is rising — and they are no longer limited to specific cities or neighborhoods.
gas stations, parking lots, and even Dunkin donuts drive thru — it can happen anywhere.
Whether you've just arrived somewhere or are about to leave, don't stay in your car and check your phone (something we all tend to do). You too can become a target!
So how can you avoid becoming a victim, and what should you do if you are targeted by a carjacker?
Please be careful
The most basic precaution is simply being aware of the threat. Fear shouldn't rule your life, but just as you keep your eyes on the road, you should always be aware of your own safety and your surroundings.
Be aware of who and what is around you. If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts. Avoid contact with pedestrians and other drivers, including eye contact. Do not lower your windows for anyone other than acquaintances and law enforcement officers.
Keep your vehicle safe
Another obvious and easy measure is to keep your car doors and windows closed and locked.
Also, keep your computer, cell phone, wallet, purse, and other valuables on the floor of your car and out of sight.
plan ahead
Plan ahead and consider your reactions to “what if” scenarios. What would you do if the car in front of you suddenly braked or a threatening person approached your car while you were stopped at a traffic light?
Carjackers expect the element of surprise, but you can counter attacks with surprise attacks of your own. That means reacting calmly and quickly to his attempts, such as stepping on the gas and running away.
Again, trust your instincts. For these responses to car hijackers to be effective, they must be reliable and swift.
Also, always leave your cell phone outside so you can call 911 if necessary.
ensure your own safety
Your car is just one aspect of carjacking. There are several steps individuals can take to stay safe and reduce their chances of becoming a carjacking victim.
- Whether you've just arrived somewhere or are about to leave, don't stay in your car and check your phone (something we all tend to do). You too can become a target!
- Before you get out of your car, take a good look around you.
- Do the same before you get in your car. Also, make sure that no one is inside, behind, or under the vehicle.
- Quickly add or remove items from your trunk.
- Please park in a well-lit, high-traffic area.
- Walk in pairs or large groups from your office or other building to your vehicle. Or, if possible, find a guard and help him out.
- If you are driving alone, please use valet parking or a manned garage.
- Take off your earphones when filling up with gas or commuting to and from your car.
- Be aware of people wandering around, handing out flyers, and sitting in parked cars.
- Do not park in isolated or visually obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage.
- Be especially careful when refueling your rental car on the way to return. Obvious visitors and their luggage make attractive targets.
- If someone approaches your parked car, turn around or run to a busy store.
- If you are involved in a car accident, drive to a well-lit area with lots of traffic or to a police station. There's always a chance that the “accident” was a ploy to get you out of the car.
- If you experience car trouble, such as a flat tire or a dead battery, call AAA or another roadside assistance service if possible. Be very careful when accepting help from random passersby.
If you get carjacked
- Do not resist surrendering your vehicle, property, or money to an armed or potentially armed carjacker. Your priority is to escape.
- Never consent to being kidnapped. Throw your car keys and run and scream for help.
- As soon as it is safe to do so, call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information about the vehicle.
- If a car thief forces you to drive, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection to attract attention and allow others to come to your aid and call the police. Please.
