How Do I Protect Myself in Carjacking and Car Theft Prevention?

• · Consider purchasing a cellular phone. You may be able to locate an inexpensive plan through your insurance agency, automobile agency, etc. Try for an emergency-only plan; some companies offer a low-rate plan if you don't use your phone for other phone calls. Keep your phone on you at all times for use in any emergency.
• · If someone bumps into your car, look around before you get out. If you have a car phone or cell phone, call 911 and notify the police; give them a description of the vehicle that bumped you. Stay in your car if possible and keep the doors locked and windows rolled up.Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that rear-ended you and who is in it. If the situation makes you uneasy, note the license plate number and description of the car, and ask the driver to follow you. Go to the nearest police stateion or to a busy well-lit area. If you do get out of your car, take your keys (and purse and wallet) with you and stay alert. If you sense something is wrong, leave or alert other drivers. Call 911 for help.

• · Know the area you travel; know alternate routes, note where you frequently stop and wait. what traffic lane offers you greatest flexibility to react. Know where 'safe havens' are located.
• · Have some plans for reacting to a carjacking - how could you safely get away, how would you react?
• · At traffic lights and stop signs, be aware of who is around you, particularly to the sides and the rear of your vehicle. Watch for people approaching your vehicle.
• · When you are stopped at ATMs, malls, or other places, be aware of who is around you and be aware of the possibility of being blocked in by another vehicle.
• · Park in well-lit areas, and avoid remote locations, especially in shopping malls.
• · Before you even enter your car, be alert to any activity near your car. In malls and large parking lots, where potential thieves could be hiding behind nearby cars. Pay attention to your surroundings. Look in and around your car. Have your keys in hand before you arrive at your vehicle to avoid fumbling and creating an opportunity for someone to overtake you.
• · When you get in your car, immediately lock the doors and be sure the windows are up.
• · Keep your windows and doors locked when you drive.
• · When you stop at a traffic signal or stop sign, leave some space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you have some room to leave quickly, if you need it. Even if you need to go through a red light (after checking for approaching traffic), do so - if you alert a nearby police officer, all the better.
• · Be suspicious of strangers asking for directions, change, or handing out flyers. If you feel uncomfortable, pull out carefully and leave the area, even if it means running a red light or stop sign.
• · If your car becomes disabled, pull to the side of the road and wait for police to arrive, or, if possible, drive slowly to a secure location or a police station. If someone offers to help, ask them to call the police. If you have a car phone, call the police as soon as you run into trouble.
• · If you suspect you are being followed, never drive home. Change directions, go to a safe area - ideally a police station - or call the police.
• · When you exit your vehicle, look around you before turning off the ignition and unlocking the doors. Lock your car when you leave it.
• · Be especially wary in late night hours; national statistics show most carjackings take place between 10pm and 2am.
• · On campus, drive to Public Safety, or use an emergency phone to request assistance. Dial 1-911 from any campus phone.

How Do I Protect Myself in Carjacking and Car Theft Prevention?

What if it Happens to Me in a Carjacking and Car Theft Prevention

Vehicle Safety - Carjacking and Car Theft Prevention

What is Carjacking and Why Would Someone Want to Do It?