Although at ASG we do not provide security systems for cars, our overall goal is to keep you safer wherever you are, so don’t be surprised when some of our blogs step a bit away from our more traditional topics. No one deserves to become a victim, but life decisions and behavior can reduce your risk. This is not about being paranoid, but about taking care of yourself and your loved ones.
Why Carjacking?
Carjacking may seem like something that’s not likely to happen to you, but since this crime can occur in good neighborhoods and during the day, it pays to be prepared. Often carjackers are looking for a way to escape or they may be kids wanting a thrill or completing some rite of passage to join a gang.
Professional car thieves have also turned to carjacking thanks to the better and better theft-prevention capabilities of newer cars. Gone are the days then someone with a coat hanger and some basic knowledge could unlock and start a car, so it works best for them to try one that’s running, and that’s a carjacking.
Safety Starts Before You Enter Your Car
When coming out of your home, office, running errands or shopping, it’s important to pay attention to the situation around you. Is anything unusual? Are people hanging around your car that don’t belong there? Is there someone just sitting in the car that’s parked next to you? If something feels wrong, go back into your home, office or store. Ask a security guard or employee to walk with you to your car, or wait until the people leave. There may be nothing wrong, but don’t take a chance
Before you get into your car, glance into your back seat or hatch to make sure it’s empty. If someone starts to approach you, head back to the building. Some carjackers use asking for directions or handing out a flyer as an opening gambit to get close enough. It’s better to appear rude than to put yourself at risk, and let’s face it, you don’t want those flyers anyway.
Stay just as alert when leaving your car. Be sure to park in well-lit areas near sidewalks or walkways. Never leave valuables in plain sight, but be sure to hide them before you park so that people don’t see you moving them out of sight. Don’t park where a van or truck blocks your view.
Lock the Doors
Before you start your car, arrange your purse or set down your cell phone, lock all of your doors. If you are hampered by grocery bags or boxes, put them in the trunk or keep alert while placing them in the back seat. Also pay attention to everything around you when strapping one or more children into safety or booster seats. This one simple tip can dramatically reduce your risk of a carjacking.
When Driving
Think of your car as a mobile home and take the same basic security measures. Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. If it’s hot and you have no air conditioning, whenever you’re in a stop-and-start driving area roll windows down enough to get some air but too high for someone to reach the locks or you.
Drive in the center lane and stay in a center lane when stopped at a light. Stay alert. Carjackers look for people who don’t seem to be paying attention. Leave enough space between you and the car in front when stopped that you could get around if you needed to. Pay attention to any suspicious behavior near you.
After Dark
It’s not always possible, but do your best to avoid high crime areas at night. If you can, drive with a friend or family member when you need to go out after dark. Park in well-lit areas and near lots of people. Have your keys in your hand before you step outside a store or office. Move confidently and stay alert. Once again, lock your doors immediately when you get into your car.
If someone appears to be following you
Don’t go home. Instead drive to the nearest police or fire station. That will generally be enough to make them drive away. If that doesn’t work, honk your horn until someone comes outside.
After a Fender-bender
One trick carjackers use is to gently hit someone’s car so that they step out to exchange insurance information. Most people who get into any kind of accident are temporarily stunned and will take a minute or two to get out of their car. If they jump out immediately, that’s one clue that they may be carjackers. No matter what, stay in your car with the doors locked until you are sure it is safe. Roll your window down slightly and suggest driving to the nearest police or fire station to exchange information, or just signal them to follow you to the nearest well-lit area with lots of people. If possible, get the car’s license number. No matter what, if the situation feels wrong, drive away.
If You’re Facing a Carjacker
No car is worth risking your life. Let them have the car and any valuables inside it. If your children are in the car, calmly ask the carjacker to let you take them out. Most are smart enough to realize that kidnapping is not a good idea, but you’ll want to move as quickly as possible. Get as far away from the carjacker as you can immediately to improve your chances of escaping and to appear less of a threat. Pay attention to what the carjacker(s) looked like – height, weight, race, facial features, tattoos and even clothes. Contact the police immediately and give them a full description.
For most of us, carjacking will continue to be something we hear about on the evening news rather than something we experience. Let’s do our best to keep it that way by following these basic safety tips and paying attention.
