The Nightwatch Program, Inc. - Crime Prevention At Its Best

Staying Alive During a Carjacking

Car jacking is the violent robbery of your vehicle, with you in it. Car jackings are dangerous, because they can happen anytime, or anywhere. If you get lucky, the carjacker will drop you off somewhere unharmed, that's the plus, the negative is, you're without a car but your safe. Alternatively, You can be kept hostage, in the vehicle.. you can be forced to drive, raped, any number of things can occur. Try to get a good look at the person who carjacked you, so the police have an idea of what to look for.

Carj ackers have several tricks up their sleeve, the most ingenious of which is based off standard road etiquette. A carjacker and, when applicable, his accomplice, will drive their car at a very low speed, only around 5 miles an hour or so, and bump into the back of your car. As normal rules of the road dictate, both drivers would get out, and discuss damage, insurance information, etc. When the victim exits his car, the carjackers rob you of your vehicle and its contents, and then drive away with your car. The best way to avoid this, if your feeling unsure about the occurance, call 911 and do not get out of the car, until the police arrive.

Even though it is impossible to know if you are going to be carjacked, there are ways to help prevent it. Car jackers will depend on the element of surprise. Therefore, staying cautious is the best way to keep your car in your possesion. Always park in well lit, visible areas, and keep your eyes open to anyone suspisious loitering near your car. Your best defense, is common sense. If you are a victim in a car jacking, avoid trying to resist the criminal, especially if they are armed. If you are car jacked, report it to the police immediately.