CARJACKING

Carjacking is an especially frightening crime, as it usually involves a direct confrontation with a car thief. Carjacking usually occurs when criminals need to flee the scene of other crimes, as part of a gang initiation, or because some cars are easier to steal when the owner is there with the keys.

Stealing a car by force has captured headlines across the country. Statistically your chances of being a carjacking victim are very slim and prevention can reduce the risk even further. Carjacking can be an especially frightening crime as it usually involves a direct confrontation with a car thief. It also usually occurs when criminals need to flee the scene of other crimes, as part of a gang initiation, or because some cars are easier to steal when the owner is there with the keys.

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 to 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 hard for thieves to seal unoccupied cars.
  • It's easy to buy, steal, or barter for guns in this country. And a pointed gun makes a more powerful threat.
  • More teens and adults commit crimes of violence than ever before.
  • Intense media interest may have created "copycat" carjackers.

It Can Happen Anywhere And To 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.

Golden Opportunities: What Do Carjackers Look For?

  • Areas that carjackers target are: intersections controlled by traffic lights or stops lights, parking garages, shopping malls, grocery stores, gas stations, car washes, ATM machines, residential driveways, highway exit and entry ramps.
  • Be alert to your surroundings, even when you feel rushed.
  • When approaching your car, have your key in your hand, and check the back seat before you get in.
  • If someone is loitering near your unoccupied car as you approach it, keep walking until the person leaves.
  • Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out flyers. Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into your car quickly, lock the doors and drive away.
  • Avoid driving alone. Have someone with you especially at night.
  • When you come to a stop, leave enough space to maneuver around other cars.
  • In extreme situations you might even consider going through a traffic light, as long as you can do so without causing an accident.
  • Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Instead, drive to the nearest phone or use your cell phone to call the police for help.
  • If you are driving home and notice someone you don't recognize loitering, drive around the block and come back after the person has left.
  • Avoid parking near anything that limits your visibility.
  • Most importantly - If a carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue. Your life is worth far more than a car!
  • If someone takes your car, get away from the areas as quickly as you can. Try to remember what the carjacker looked like and report the crime immediately to the police.

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.

  • If you are bumped by another car, be sure to look around before you get out.
  • Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that rear-ended you and who is in it. If the situation makes you uneasy, memorize or jot down the car's tag 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.

Reduce Your Risk

Getting In Your Car

  • Walk with a purpose and stay alert to your surroundings.
  • Approach your car with the keys in your 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 your car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away.

Driving

  • Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way if it's hot and you don't have air conditioning), no mater how short the distance or how safe the neighborhood.
  • When you're coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.
  • Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car.
  • Avoid driving alone and go with someone whenever possible, especially at night.
  • Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by either driving to the nearest phone or use your cell phone to call the police for help.

Getting Out Of Your Car

  • Park in well-lighted areas, near sidewalks, 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.
  • Put valuables in the trunk or out of sight.
  • Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, with no identification.
  • Even if you are rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to your 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 color, special features, and clothing.
  • Report the crime immediately to the police by calling 911.
  • Know your license plate number and give a good description of your car.

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