AUTO THEFT PREVENTION

AUTO THEFT / CARJACKING

Carjacking is a type of vehicle theft where force is used against the driver. In the United States there is on average 34,000 carjacking incidents annually. There were an average 2.1 victimizations per 10,000 persons annually reported between 1993 and 2002.

(Source: U.S. Department of Justice)

Carjacking has become more prevalent in recent years. With the new and more sophisticated theft devices, it makes it that much harder to steal a parked vehicle. To get around this, carjackers will look for vehicles that have the keys in the ignition, in many cases the owner of the vehicle will be sitting behind the wheel when the carjacking occurs. Victims are often traumatize to the point where they do not want to drive another vehicle; for fear that it may happen again.

At times these confrontations can become violent to the point where the victim may lose their life or suffer serious injury. Statistics show that in 74% of these incidents there has been some type of weapon used

At times these confrontations can become violent to the point where the victim may lose their life or suffer serious injury. Statistics show that in 74% of these incidents there has been some type of weapon used.

WHERE DOES CARJACKING OCCUR?

Carjacking occurs in parking lots, shopping centers, gas stations, car washes, convenience stores, ATMs, hotels, valet parking, fast-food drive-thru, off-ramps of freeways and outside of retail stores. Close proximity to a freeway onramp is a desirable escape factor from the carjackers prospective. A risky, but popular location for the carjacker is a roadway intersection with a stoplight. A carjacker will jump out of another vehicle, pull open your unlocked drivers' door, and force you to get out. This type of carjacking allows for a quick escape but increases their risk of being followed by other drivers armed with cell phones. There have been incidents where well-meaning citizens got into a high-speed chase following carjackers and ended up being victims themselves.

Carjackers also use tricks for motorist to stop. They do this by way of; acting as if their vehicle is having car problems on the side of the road, flagging down oncoming traffic, panhandling on street corners asking for food or money, blocking you in a parking lot or driveway or by a bump and run tactic where they run into you causing a minor accident.

TIPS

Tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a carjack victim:

• Park in well lighted areas.
  
  
• Do not park in isolated or visually obstructed areas.
  
  
• Be alert when walking to your vehicle.
  
  
• Ask security to escort you to your vehicle if alone.
  
  
• Avoid driving alone.
  
  
• Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
  
  
• Enter and exit your vehicle quickly.
  
  
• Keep your vehicle's doors locked when driving.
  
  
• Do not pull over to read a map unless you are in a public place.
  
  
• Carry a cell phone

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