Carjacking

You are driving with complete control of your vehicle but your mind is on one hundred and one other things. Your eyes are not on your rearview mirror so you do not notice the car creeping up from behind. Bump! The following car has nudged the back of your car, not hard enough to cause you to veer off course, but what the heck is that dummy playing at?

You stop, to check the damage, to exchange details and to give that other driver a piece of your mind. What you do not realize is that you are about to become a carjacking victim.

Not much in the way of damage to your vehicle so your attention goes to the other driver. But something is not right. Someone is getting into your drivers seat, you left your keys in there and your engine running and you watch with a gaping jaw as your car speeds off.

The other carjacker speeds off too and if you are foolhardy enough to get in the way he won't think twice about running you down.

Models that have remained popular for a number of years are targeted. An automobile stripped down and the parts sold can net a car stealing gang more than the whole car.

The Bump and Rob may not happen exactly that way . . . the carjackers may have to threaten violence to get your car keys from you, or may use violence to drag you from your car.

Car-Jacking is, of course, a contracted way of saying car hijacking. Trucks and their payloads have been hijacked ever since their wheels began rolling along the highways.

But up until relatively recently private automobiles have been more usually stolen when the driver is away from the vehicle, the thief breaking in to the car, maybe hot-wiring it and driving off. Not much chance of a confrontation with the owner and the resulting violence.

Why then the appearance of car hijacking in more modern times? Because cars roll off the production line with better quality alarm systems and anti-theft devices these days. In fact not that long ago manufacturers gave little thought to designing their cars to be theft resistant, not so these days. On top of which owners are installing additional security devices and actually remembering to use them.

All this makes it increasingly difficult for thieves to steal cars in the traditional way, they have to work harder and learn new skills. Many thieves are not capable of learning these new skills and shy away from work.

Car hijacking presents itself as the perfect answer for these thieves. Using threats and savagery to relieve a driver of his or her vehicle means not having to overcome anti-theft devices. The car keys too are close to hand if they are not actually in the ignition they are with the driver and a little heavy persuasion will mean the keys are handed over.

As a bonus the carjackers get themselves an automobile that is unspoiled by break-in damage.

You may think that luxury cars are the main target of carjackers, these cars do get taken and are often shipped abroad. But there are limited numbers of these vehicles and the market for them is not large.

The market is large for middle range models in good condition and these cars are frequently sought out for high jacking. Models that have remained popular for a number of years are also targeted because there is a huge market for spares. An automobile stripped down and the parts sold through an unscrupulous dealer can net a car stealing gang more than the whole car.

High powered cars are also carjacked for use as getaway vehicles, you may eventually get your car back but probably not in the best of condition.

A carjack could be attempted anywhere but it is most likely to be attempted anyplace where the driver is getting in or out of the car. High risk places are: Parking lots (see Parking Lot Security) traffic light controlled intersections, convenience stores, gas stations, hotels and ATM's.

High powered cars are often carjacked for use as getaway vehicles, you may eventually get your car back but probably not in the best of condition.

Another version of the bump and rob occurs at traffic lights. You pull up and stop for a red light and get bumped from behind, next thing you know you are either standing or lying in the road, the light has changed to green and your car and the carjackers are gone.

When parking choose somewhere with adequate lighting even if you intend to return to your car before dark, you may be delayed. If possible park in an attended lot. Be aware of anyone hanging around the lot, if you are at all suspicious find somewhere else to park. Avoid parking next to large vehicles, trees or bushes.

When returning to your vehicle have your keys ready to so that you can get inside without delay. Quickly check around first to ensure that there is not anyone hiding beside (or even in) your car. If you have shopping load it as quickly as possible all the while looking around you. Once inside lock all doors, keep windows closed and drive away as soon as possible.

Plan out your route in advance to evade districts that should be avoided, have an alternative route outlined. Make sure that your car is in good mechanical condition and always keep a full tank of gas. Drive with your car doors locked and windows shut.

When approaching a stoplight roll slowly aiming to be still moving ahead when the light changes. When stopped at a light or a junction, leave enough room between you and the vehicle ahead to maneuver out and escape if need be.

If your car is bumped from behind there is a fair chance that this is an attempted jacking. If you are at all suspicious stay in your car, drive on to somewhere where it is safe to stop a busy gas station, police station or anywhere there are crowds and possibly security cameras.

Whatever the value of your car it is just that - a car. Many others just like it rolled off the same production line, a car is just a certain amount of metal, plastic and rubber assembled in a particular way.

You, on the other hand, are unique. You would be missed by your family a lot more than your family would miss the car. A car is replaceable, you are not.

Car thief is a crime inherent with violence, car thieves do not think twice about using violence to achieve their ends. If carjackers demand your keys just give them up, don't argue or resist.

Statistically the chances of being a victim of carjacking are thankfully on the low side. By following the advice on this page you can reduce the chances further.

© copyright surveillanceforsecurity.com