Tips on What to Do If It Happens to You
Carjacking - stealing a car by force
Statistically your chances of being a carjacking victim are very slim, so don't panic! However prevention actions can reduce the risk even more so it is always worth knowing a few things that can reduce risks.
Why is Carjacking a Problem?
No one knows for certain, but some explanations include:
It's a crime of opportunity - a thief searching for the most vulnerable prey. Sometimes it's the first step in another crime.
For some young people, carjacking may be a rite of passage, a status symbol, or just a thrill.
Cars, especially luxury ones, provide quick cash for drug users and other criminals.
Sophisticated alarms and improved locking devices make it harder for thieves to steal unoccupied cars.
It's easy to buy, steal, or barter for guns in some countries (like US) and a pointed gun makes a powerful threat.
More teens and adults commit crimes of violence than ever before.
Intense media interest may have created "copycat" carjackers.
Anywhere, Anyone .
Though carjackings can occur anytime, a sizeable share appear to take place during the late night hours.
Carjacking isn't just a problem in large cities - it happens in suburbs, small towns, and rural areas.
Carjackers look for opportunity. They don't choose victims by sex, race, or age, although women on their own seem to be more at risk.
Little risk of being caught. Carjackers often find that they are nor confronted or chased. And without identification, video evidence or whatever, there is a high chance of them getting away with it.
When your car has been loaded with hundreds of pounds of shopping goods after returning to the car park, not only do they get your car, they get your goods!
Golden opportunities: what do carjackers look for?
Cross roads controlled by stop lights or signs.
Garages and car parks, shopping centres (see last point above), and grocery stores.
Self-serve gas stations and car washes.
ATMs (automated teller machines / cash machines).
Residential driveways and streets as people get into and out of cars.
Motorway exit and entry junctions, or anyplace else that drivers slow down or stop.
The "Bump and Rob"
It works like this. A car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger, rear-ends or "bumps" you in traffic. You quickly get out to check the damage and exchange information. Either the driver or one of the passengers jumps in your car and drives off or steals some contents
If you're bumped by another car, look around before you get out to see if there are any shifty characters around. Check out the car that's rear-ended you and who's in it. If the situation makes you uneasy, memorise or jot down the car's registration number and description. Signal the other car to follow you. Drive to the nearest police station or to a busy, well-lighted area.
If you do get out of the car, take your keys (and purse or wallet if you have one) with you and stay alert. If they do try to take your keys either give in (safest), or if you want to risk a fight, throw the keys to them or far away into some bushes. This will give you a brief moment while they are distracted to initiate your attack.
Another example of carjacking is as follows. Somebody asks you for directions, whilst this is going on somebody is stealing from the rear seats or boot of the car.
Other methods are more crude. Some madman could simply be distracting you by bashing their arms on your bonnet, whilst again somebody else is stealing from you car.
Other
If someone does ask you for directions, keep the door locked, and do not open the window enough for them to reach in.
Reduce Your Risk
Getting In
Walk with purpose and stay alert.
Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.
Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out fliers. Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away.
On the Road
Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way - if it's hot and you don't have air conditioning). No matter how short the distance or how safe the neighbourhood. This may be unsafe for quick exit if you have an accident, so weigh up the risk. For example, if you are driving along the motorway, it may be safer to keep doors unlocked as you are more likely to have an accident than get carjacked when driving at speed.
When you're coming to a stop, leave enough room to manoeuvre around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.
Drive in the centre lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car.
Avoid driving alone. Go with someone whenever possible, especially at night.
Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.
Getting Out
Park in well-lighted areas, near pavements or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked and even when you are driving. Put them in the trunk or out of sight. Carjackers simply smash you window with a brick and take whatever they see - even with you sitting there!
Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, with no identification.
Even if you're rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings.
If It Happens to You...
If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue. Your life is worth more than a car.
Get away from the area as quickly as possible.
Try to remember what the carjacker looked like - sex, race, age, hair and eye colour, special features, clothes.
Report the crime immediately to the police.
If someone tries to force you into your car DO NOT get into the car with them. IF they do get you into the car then run into a wall, parking meter anything you can to bring attention to what is going on. If the assailant has you in your car once he gets you to a remote location he will probably not let you live. If your children are in the back seat ensure you have gone over a plan way before you ever get caught in this situation so that they know to jump out and run also. Keeping your children prepared now can prevent them from also being a victim in the future.
Auto Theft
Don't Make It Easy for a Thief To Steal Your Wheels
One vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the United States. Stolen cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles cost victims time and money - and increase everyone's insurance premiums. They're also often used to commit other crimes.
Auto Theft - Don't become a victim of this serious crime.
The Basic Prevention Policy
Never leave your keys in the car or ignition.
Always lock your car, even if it's in front of your home.
Copy your chassis number and vehicle identification number (VIN) on a card and keep them with your driver's license. Do not keep the registration or other documents (car or personal) in the car.
Do not have your house keys and car keys on the same key ring. Keep them separate.
Keep the keys to your home and car separate.
Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there's enough petrol to get there and back.
Avoid parking in isolated areas with little foot or auto traffic. Be especially alert in un-staffed car parks.
If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open service station, or other open to get help.
Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike yourself.
If you often drive at night, or alone, consider a cellular phone to make it easier to summon help in a emergency.
Acknowledgements: This document has been ammended, edited and appended by T.Carpenter from a document found on the web (whose origin we have since forgotten!)
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