How to reduce risk of being victimized by car thieves
Source: PDI
MANILA, Philippines—Carjackings occur mostly at night and the early hours, and men or women, young or old can get victimized.
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Source: PDI
MANILA, Philippines—Carjackings occur mostly at night and the early hours, and men or women, young or old can get victimized.
In a public advisory posted on its website, the Philippine National Police says the key to avoiding being victimized is to reduce the risk before getting into your car, while on the road, and getting out of your car.
“Though carjackings can occur any time, a sizable [number] appears to take place during the late night hours or early morning. Carjacking isn’t just a problem in large cities; it happens inside villages and rural areas or far-flung municipalities. Carjackers look for opportunity. They don’t choose victims by sex, race or age,” the PNP says.
Carjackers study their victims carefully before going after a vehicle. They examine the layout of the area, paying attention to stoplights and intersections to facilitate escape.
They also look for garages, parking lots for mass transit, shopping malls, groceries, gas stations, car washes, banks with ATM machines, or anywhere people get in and out of cars, slow down, or stop their vehicles.
Stay alert
The PNP recommends staying alert when walking toward your vehicle: “Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in. Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out fliers. Trust your instincts. If something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors and drive away.”
While on the road, it’s important to keep the doors locked and windows rolled up even if it’s just a short trip.
“When you are coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away. Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car. Avoid driving alone. Go with someone whenever possible, especially at night. Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help,” the PNP says.
When you reach your destination, choose a parking space in a well-lighted area near sidewalks.
“Avoid parking near dumps, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked,” the PNP says.
“Put them in the trunk or out of sight. Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Even if you’re in a rush, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings,” it says.
Sophisticated alarms and locking devices can also make cars hard to steal when parked.
Give it up
If confronted with a carjacker, the PNP says, “give up your car. Don’t argue. Your life is worth more than a car.”
Pay attention to the appearance of the carjacker and report the crime immediately to police.
What to do if victimized through the “bundol” method, or when carjackers bump your vehicle and take it at gunpoint once you get out to check the damage?
The PNP recommends jotting down the other car’s license plates and to signal it to follow you to the nearest police or busy, well lighted place to negotiate the damages.
“If you do get out of the car, take your key [and purse or wallet if you have one] with you and stay alert,” it says.
The PNP also says carjackers look for vulnerable prey. In some cases, for criminal syndicates, it’s a step to another bigger more serious crime.
Some carjackers are also young people out for a thrill or a rite of passage to a group.
Luxury cars are easy money for drug users and other criminals. The easy availability of guns also contributes to the proliferation of carjacking incidents.
“A pointed gun makes for a powerful threat,” the PNP says.
“Though carjackings can occur any time, a sizable [number] appears to take place during the late night hours or early morning. Carjacking isn’t just a problem in large cities; it happens inside villages and rural areas or far-flung municipalities. Carjackers look for opportunity. They don’t choose victims by sex, race or age,” the PNP says.
Carjackers study their victims carefully before going after a vehicle. They examine the layout of the area, paying attention to stoplights and intersections to facilitate escape.
They also look for garages, parking lots for mass transit, shopping malls, groceries, gas stations, car washes, banks with ATM machines, or anywhere people get in and out of cars, slow down, or stop their vehicles.
Stay alert
The PNP recommends staying alert when walking toward your vehicle: “Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in. Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out fliers. Trust your instincts. If something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors and drive away.”
While on the road, it’s important to keep the doors locked and windows rolled up even if it’s just a short trip.
“When you are coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away. Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car. Avoid driving alone. Go with someone whenever possible, especially at night. Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help,” the PNP says.
When you reach your destination, choose a parking space in a well-lighted area near sidewalks.
“Avoid parking near dumps, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked,” the PNP says.
“Put them in the trunk or out of sight. Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Even if you’re in a rush, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings,” it says.
Sophisticated alarms and locking devices can also make cars hard to steal when parked.
Give it up
If confronted with a carjacker, the PNP says, “give up your car. Don’t argue. Your life is worth more than a car.”
Pay attention to the appearance of the carjacker and report the crime immediately to police.
What to do if victimized through the “bundol” method, or when carjackers bump your vehicle and take it at gunpoint once you get out to check the damage?
The PNP recommends jotting down the other car’s license plates and to signal it to follow you to the nearest police or busy, well lighted place to negotiate the damages.
“If you do get out of the car, take your key [and purse or wallet if you have one] with you and stay alert,” it says.
The PNP also says carjackers look for vulnerable prey. In some cases, for criminal syndicates, it’s a step to another bigger more serious crime.
Some carjackers are also young people out for a thrill or a rite of passage to a group.
Luxury cars are easy money for drug users and other criminals. The easy availability of guns also contributes to the proliferation of carjacking incidents.
“A pointed gun makes for a powerful threat,” the PNP says.
