Carjacking Prevention Tips
Carjacking prevention tips can be the one thing that helps save your life or the life of someone close to you. Being aware of your surroundings is one of the most important things you can train yourself, family and friends to pay attention to. Not focusing on what is taking place near you can cost your life!
Ever pull up to a traffic light with your window down and radio blasting a must-hear song you’d like to know all the words to? That’s not you…
Okay. Have you ever driven a convertible car with the top down anywhere in the USA? Not you either?
Okay. How about this one: Have you ever gotten into your car and not locked the doors? *Let’s assume you’re not driving the latest model vehicle equipped with auto-lock.
If you’ve answered “Yes” to any of these, you are a prime target.
Carjacking Caught on Tape
Carjacking Prevention Tips To Pay Attention To
What exactly is a prime target?
An individual so engulfed in whatever it is they’re doing, whether it be listening to the latest tunes, talking on their cell phone, day dreaming, etc., that they can’t hear and aren’t even capable of using their senses to see a possible crime in progress – involving them.
What was once considered “safe” no longer exists; if you are breathing, you could face the ugliness of the world at any time and “anywhere.”
Scenario:
You’re at a traffic light with the window halfway down, music going and 2 kiddos are in the backseat raising all kinds of havoc. You have no idea that the man to your left is approaching your vehicle and about to make you a victim. Why? You’re completely distracted!
Have you ever seen a movie where there’s a carjacking scene? What is the first thing the carjacker does? Pulls on the door-handle right… and why is that? Because it’s usually unlocked!
What do Carjackers Look For?
- Individuals walking to or exiting their vehicles in mall parking garages or large commercial parking garages
- Individuals walking to or exiting their vehicles in shopping center/grocery store parking lots
- Individuals resting, texting, eating and fixing their hair and make-up in a parked vehicle
- Individuals pulling up to or leaving ATMs
- Individuals at Traffic light intersections or stop signs unaware of their surroundings
- Individuals returning to or exiting their homes
- Individuals returning to or exiting their vehicles at convenience stores and do-it-yourself car washes
In the news:
A carjacker kidnapped an 83-year-old woman in the driveway of her Arlington home. Neighbors say the victim pulled up to her home and was immediately attacked by the man, who forced her into her silver Lincoln MKZ sedan. The woman, who was not identified, struggled with her attacker, and a neighbor tried to intervene but was overpowered and threatened by the carjacker. Christina Rosales
A popular R&B singer was approached by 2 males wearing a mask and armed with a gun; the singer was forced to hand over the keys to his Bentley – he complied. See more of Bobby V’s story here.
A young Austin musician had just finished a show in Houston when a carjacker put a gun in her and her mother’s face and took their jewelry, IDs and more than $50,000 of music equipment; then the man drove off in their only car. Morgan Chesky
How to Prevent Being Carjacked
- As you approach your vehicle, check around and inside it before entering. If you observe a suspicious person or activity then do not approach your vehicle.
- Drive with the doors locked and the windows up.
- Whenever possible leave a “safety zone” between you and the vehicle in front of you at stop signs and traffic signals.
- Drive in center lanes where possible, avoiding the curb-side lane if practical.
- Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas, particularly late at night or early in the morning.
- Check your rearview mirror to make sure you are not being followed.
- Park in heavily traveled areas near entrances to businesses.
- Prior to exiting your vehicle, take the time to look around particularly at areas that could conceal a criminal.
- Do not park near vans, trucks or other vehicles where you cannot observe their interiors.
- Eating, sleeping, reading or applying make-up in a parked car is an open invitation to carjackers.
- Carjackers have been known to stage minor accidents so that they can approach your car. If your vehicle is bumped from behind and you don’t feel comfortable with the individuals involved, drive to the nearest police or fire station.
- If you are confronted by a carjacker, especially if the thief has a weapon, give up your car immediately and move away. Your life is more valuable than your car or possessions! Courtesy of Houston Police
Equipped with a new perspective of what to look for will help reduce your chances of being targeted by a carjacker. For more tips on carjacking prevention, visit SRS’ Contact Us page