Avoiding and surviving a carjacking requires a combination of awareness, preparation and quick thinking.
The term carjacking encompasses a diverse range of scenarios in which vehicles and/or keys are stolen via threats, violence and/or intimidation.
Tactics have included:
Feigning distress which can be through multiple tactics such as a fake vehicle accident, sometimes displaying injuries
Intentionally bumping or soft colliding with the victims vehicle from behind
Flashing lights and waving to get the drivers attention indicating that there is a problem with their car
Following the driver home and blocking their car in so they are unable to escape
Lining up street wheelie bins (or any large objects) across the road, forcing the driver to get out and move them
Opening the door handles of a car stopped at traffic lights, surprising the driver who may not have locked the doors
Walking out in front of a car forcing the driver to brake
They all have this in common:
They are relying on you to have your vehicle doors unlocked or the windows open
They are relying on you to exit your vehicle
PREVENTION
Situational Awareness Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially in high-crime areas late at night or when stopped at intersections, parking lots, or service stations. Stay alert and avoid distractions like using your phone.
Lock your doors Keep your car doors locked at all times, even while driving. Many carjackings occur when doors are left unlocked. Activate the auto-lock feature on your car, otherwise make it a muscle memory habit to flick the lock immediately.
Keep the windows rolled up Keep your windows rolled up, especially when stopped. If you need to lower your window, only do so slightly to communicate with someone, and always remain cautious.
Look for anomalies Does something look out of place? Trust your gut and make alternative plans.
Keep up-to-date with your local crime watch community facebook page or forum.
SURVIVING
Despite all the precautions you’ve taken, there is now someone threatening you to get out of the car. Now what?
Get the kids out of the car first If you have children ensure they exit the car before you do. Tell the carjacker that the children must leave the vehicle before any further actions are taken. If the children are capable of exiting independently, instruct them to leave the car and move away. In cases where they cannot exit unaided (e.g., toddlers or infants), turn your attention to the backseat and remove them from the vehicle. It is imperative that the children are not left alone.
Just give them your car Most carjackers are opportunists wanting a easy way to steal a car without the hassle of breaking into one. So give it to them and call the police immediately. Your life is more important than your car. A car is replaceable, you are not.
CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY
Police advise: IF A CRIME IS HAPPENING NOW, A LIFE IS THREATENED, OR THE OFFENDER IS STILL IN THE AREA, CALL TRIPLE ZERO - 000. If a crime has happened TO you, file a police report via Policelink or Ph 131 444.
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