How not to be Carjacked

Carjacking Tips

Carjacking of vehicles depends on the car owner being unaware of their surroundings.

Carjackers like street robbers, like the element of surprise. Most victims say they never saw the car carjacker until they appeared at their car door. To reduce your risk of being carjacked, we have listed some common sense steps below:

• Always park in well-lit areas, even if you plan to arrive or leave after dark
• Do not park in isolated or visually obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage.
• Use valet parking or an attended garage if at all possible.
• As you walk to your car be alert to suspicious persons sitting in cars. Now would be a good time to have an self defense items at the ready.
• Ask for a security escort if your are alone at a shopping center, that is what they are there for.
• Watch out for young males loitering in the area (handing out flyers, etc.).
• If someone tries to approach your vehicle, change direction or run to a busy place.
• Follow your instincts, that funny feeling, it is right more times than not.
• As you approach your vehicle, look under, around and inside your before unlocking the door.
• If safe, open the door, get in quickly, and LOCK the doors.
• Don't be a target by turning your back while loading packages into your car.
• Make it your habit to always start your car and drive away immediately, forget the myth you need to warm up your car.
• Teach and practice with your children to enter and exit the car quickly.
• In the city, always drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up.
• When stopped in traffic, leave room in front of you to maneuver and escape (about 3/4 car length) if necessary.
• If you are bumped in traffic, by young males, be suspicious of the accident. Wave to follow and go to a busy parking lot or gas station, if you can get a tag number call police (if you have a cell phone) and let them know what is going on.
• If you are ever confronted by an armed carjacker don't resist.
• Give up your keys or money if demanded, money and cars can be replaced, your life is worth more!
• Don't argue, fight or chase the robber.
• Never agree to be kidnapped, in a case like this, drop your car keys, run, fight, scream for help, use what ever weapons you have at your disposable, use the mind set, "I will not be taken alive".
• If for whatever reason you we not successful in getting away and are forced to drive the scumbag, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection so bystanders and come to your aid and call police.

After any incident where you feel it is necessary, call police to report the crime as-soon-as-possible, and provide as much details as you can.

Yours in Safety,

Michael McBee