Car Jacking
During the 1990's a new and sometimes deadly crime has evolved
throughout the country. It involves the theft of your vehicle
by use of force or threat of serious bodily injury. Car jacking
can happen anywhere and anytime. It has occurred at intersections,
ATM machines, shopping malls and inside residential driveways
and garages. Any time that you're in your vehicle, you can become
a victim. The criminal that wants your car may use it in the commission
of another crime, sell it for major component parts, be responding
to a "gang" membership requirement or simply want a
car to drive rather than walk. Regardless of the motivation, it
is a potentially deadly situation.
Prevention:
As with all crimes, there are come common sense measures that
you can take to avoid being car-jacked.
As you approach your vehicle, check around and inside it before
entering. If you observe a suspicious person or activity, 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 curbside lane
if practical.
Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas, particularly
late at night or early in the morning.
Check your rear view 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 coulc 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 car-jackers.
Car-jackers 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 car-jacker, 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!!
|