The fact that many new cars are difficult to hot wire has led to an increase in carjacking in recent years. While this crime is on the rise, the good news is that carjack
ing awareness can help you avoid becoming a victim. Here are some things you should keep in mind.
Be Aware of your Surroundings
One of the best ways to prevent carjacking is to be aware of your surroundings. Would-be thieves often scour parking lots for people who appear distracted, and then choose them as victims. When walking to your vehicle, scan the area to look for suspicious activity. Avoid talking on your cell phone while walking, as this makes you an easy target. Criminals often look for people who are putting parcels in their vehicle, so you should attempt to do your major shopping during daylight hours.
Carjackers often commit crimes at gas stations and car washes, since people tend to be preoccupied attending to their vehicles at these locations. Always lock your car doors, even when you are just pumping gas. If you must use a self-service car wash, take someone with you so you’ll have another set of eyes watching out for you.
Tips for Driving
Carjacking doesn’t always occur in parking lots, as it sometimes happens on the street as well. For this reason, you should always have your doors locked and windows rolled up. The odds of a carjacking increases at an intersection, which is why you should always leave enough room between yourself and other vehicles to escape. Remain focused while you are stopped, and scan the side of the road for people lurking in the shadows. If you do notice something that just doesn’t seem right, get out of the way if you can do so safely.
General Precautions
Be leery of people who stop and ask for directions or claim to be out of gas. They may be trying to distract you so that another person can take your vehicle. Thieves will sometimes “bump” a vehicle and then take it over when the driver gets out to exchange information. Never stop in an isolated area, but instead insist that the other driver follow you to a well-lit location, preferably a police station.
Carjackings are often avoided whenever the victim spots the perpetrator, which is why remaining vigilant is so important.
