Carjacking: Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Becoming a Victim
Like many criminals, carjackers rely on the element of surprise to carry out their crime
. To be successful, carjackers look for victims who aren't paying attention to their surroundings. This allows them to more easily sneak up on their next victim. Most victims report never seeing the carjacker until they are already being yanked from their vehicle..
To reduce your
risk of being a carjacking victim, take heed of the following safety precautions:
Avoiding parking near walls, bushes, dumpsters, and other surroundings that someone can hide behind.
If you plan to arrive or leave a place after dark, park in areas that you know will be well lit at night.
Be suspicious of anyone sitting in a nearby car.
Always be cautious and look around the outside of your car, under it, and inside before entering.
Get into the habit of swiftly entering your vehicle, locking your doors, starting your engine, and driving away as quickly and safely as possible.
Make sure you are not being followed and always look around as you load shopping bags and other goods into your car.
Teach your children to pay attention to their surroundings when entering and exiting a vehicle.
If you're a woman, use valet parking whenever possible. Only supply the valet with the vehicle key. Take all other keys with you when exiting the vehicle.
Don't be afraid to ask for a store
security guard to walk you to your car.
Be aware of individuals handing out flyers, selling candy or merchandise in and around parking areas.
If someone tries to approach you, run away or retreat back into the building from which you came.
Listen to your instincts. If you sense something is not right, flee the area.
Always drives with your car doors locked.
Avoid driving with your windows down in areas where you have to make frequent stops at lights and intersections.
When in traffic, if possible, attempt to leave room between your car and the car in front you so as you can quickly drive away if approached by a criminal.
If an individual bumps your vehicle from behind with his own car, be suspicious. Wave for him to follow you to a heavily populated area or local police station.
Do not argue with the perpetrator. Give up your keys and/or other personal items as demanded.
If you are
carjacked, immediately call the police! Do not try to follow the carjacker, as you could be hurt or killed!
Never willingly get into the car with the carjacker, no matter what he says. If you do, it may be your last ride ever. Just throw your keys, run and yell for help.
Record your vehicle identification number and license plate number on a piece of paper and keep it with your driver's license. In the case of a carjacking, both the police and insurance company will require this information. The quicker you can provide it to them, the better.
Carjackings have devastated the lives of many over the years, and they continue to do so today. As a result, carjacking survivors are often left with constant fear every time they get behind the wheel. Many victims spend years in professional counseling because of continuous nightmares, anxiety and fear. Others refuse to ever drive again.
Carjacking is a very serious crime. To reduce your chances of becoming a carjacking victim, always be on alert whenever you are exiting and entering your car, paying close attention to your surroundings.
Carjacking: Tips for Reducing Your Risk of Becoming a Victim
By: Jordan Frankel
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