Carjacking is usually a crime of opportunity. It's a newer term that combines car and hijacking, because that's exactly what car jacking is...holding up a car and either stealing it, robbing the driver, or forcing the driver to drive somewhere for criminal purposes. It’s a crime that is becoming more frequent and dangerous.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Statistics, almost 40,000 carjackings occur annually in the United States but some think those numbers are conservative.
Techniques to stay safe and not become a carjacking victim include some basic know-how both behind the wheel and walking to your vehicle.
The first line of defense is to think like the criminals. Carjackers use tactics and deceive victims, so understanding what they do is important.
Typical Carjacking Tricks
According to Bureau of Diplomatic Security, carjackers try to find or get victims into vulnerable situations.
- Stalled or disabled vehicle -Carjackers park on the side of the road or a low traveled area, pretend to have car trouble (usually at night), and wait for someone to stop and offer help. Some even stage an accident and simulate injury. They then force the good samaritan to hand over the keys to their own car.
- Panhandling, fundraising, -Carjackers will sometimes pose as a lost person that needs directions, a homeless person in need of money, someone putting flyers on your car window, all examples of how they can get your guard down and take advantage when no one else is around to help you.
- Bump and Run- Running into a victim’s vehicle from behind, in a pretend “accident“. Victims get out to assess damage or exchange insurance information, carjackers take your car instead.
- Flashing lights- The carjacking driver will flash lights or wave to get a victim’s attention and indicate there is a problem with the victim’s car. When the unsuspecting driver pulls over to inspect their car, the thieves overpower them and take the car.
- Trapping you in your driveway or garage-Many carjackers follow victims home. The thieves will block access to a garage door, home or even sneak into the garage as the door closes.
How to avoid being a victim of carjacking
- Keep your doors locked and windows up
- Always carry a cell phone
- Avoid driving alone
- Park carefully - near an entrance in a well-lighted area.
- Walk with someone to and from your car. When returning to your vehicle, approach with caution.; have keys ready, glance underneath and inside. If someone is loitering near your car, avoid them and walk to a safe, lighted place.
- Don’t assist other motorists in low traffic areas. Wave or acknowledge as you drive past, noting their exact location and call authorities for help. Stopping can put you in a precarious position.
- Don’t pull over to read a map if lost unless you are in a public place.
- Stay visible. Carjackers choose people who won't likely be seen by bystanders.
- Keep your car in good driving condition and prepared for seasonal situations.
Carjacking Facts
According to Yelena Pawela, who sits on the Board of Directors of the Police Officers Safety Association and is widely recognized as a personal safety expert:
- Most occur between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM, half on weekends
- 27% of all carjackings happen in December.
- Parking lots are the most common place, followed by city streets, rural areas, residential driveways, car dealerships,and gas stations, especially in high crime areas.
Top Ten Stolen Vehicles by state in the U.S.
New York as an example
- 1990 Toyota Camry
- 1990 Honda Accord
- 1993 Honda Civic
- 1994 Dodge Caravan
- 1997 Nissan Maxima
- 1994 Plymouth Voyager
- 1994 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
- 1994 Acura Integra
- 1993 Ford Taurus
- 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass
If you become a victim
Give up the car. If a carjacker has forced his way into your vehicle or has a weapon, don't try to resist. Give up your vehicle. The car can be replaced, but you cannot.
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