Carjacking of parked vehicles depends on the
car owner being inattentive to their
surroundings. Carjackers, like street
robbers, prefer the element of surprise.
Most victims say they never saw the
carjacker until they appeared at their car
door. To reduce your risk of being
carjacked, we have listed some common sense
steps below:
· Always park in well-lighted areas, if you
plan to arrive/leave after dark
· Don't park in isolated or visually
obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage
· Use valet parking or an attended garage,
if you're a woman driving alone
· As you walk to your car be alert to
suspicious persons sitting in cars
· Ask for a security escort if you are alone
at a shopping center
· Watch out for young males loitering in the
area (handing out flyers, etc)
· If someone tries to approach, change
direction or run to a busy store
· Follow your instincts if they tell you to
walk/run away to a busy place
· As you approach your vehicle, look under,
around, and inside your car
· If safe, open the door, enter quickly, and
lock the doors
· Don't be a target by turning your back
while loading packages into the car
· Make it your habit to always start your
car and drive away immediately
· Teach and practice with your children to
enter and exit the car quickly
· In the city, always drive with your car
doors locked and windows rolled up
· When stopped in traffic, leave room to
maneuver and escape, if necessary
· If you are bumped in traffic, by young
males, be suspicious of the accident
· Wave to follow, and drive to a gas station
or busy place before getting out
· If you are ever confronted by an armed
carjacker don't resist, Give up your keys or
money if demanded without resistance
· Don't argue, fight or chase the
robber. You can be seriously injured
· Never agree to be kidnapped. Drop the
cars keys and run and scream for help. The
first 5 to 10 seconds are your best chance
for escape (while the carjacker is still
unsure if they have control over you or what
you're capable of doing) If you let them
drive you away from the scene, your chances
for survival begin to decrease immediately.
· If you are forced to drive, consider
crashing your car near a busy intersection
so bystanders can come to your aid and call
the police
Call the police immediately to report the
crime and provide detailed information
