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World Finals |
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Your attendance is desired at the 2006
Beat The Heat World Finals on September
15-16, 2006 at Houston Raceway Park.
Wanted Poster |
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Raid Planned |
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Officers are planning a raid on Houston
Raceway Park.
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Our program is supported only by
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Carjacking gives
a whole new meaning to highway robbery. |
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What is
Carjacking?
Imagine being approached by someone while
in your car. Now imagine this individual threatening bodily injury and demanding your
vehicle. You have just been CARJACKED, the crime of stealing a car
forcibly while the owner is present.
Carjacking can happen anywhere, not just in
"high crime" neighborhoods, and is just as likely to occur during the day as at
night.
Growth of Crime in the 90's
Throughout this decade, the term
"carjacking" has become more and more prevalent in our news headlines and
stories. Although statistics are not yet available, carjacking has every appearance of
becoming the growth crime of the 90's. Many vehicles today are equipped with sophisticated
anti-theft devices that make them more difficult to steal. Carjackers find it much easier
to take a car while the keys are in the ignition than to break into a locked automobile,
possibly protected by anti-theft devices.
Anyone Can be a Target
Many vehicles are stolen and broken down
into parts that are resold, and older vehicles may be more desirable due to the demand for
older parts. Other vehicles are stolen to be exported and sold in other countries. Some
are stolen so they can be used to commit other crimes. Sometimes, the thief only wants to
joy ride. Simply put, no car or location is immune to carjacking. Carjacking is a crime of
opportunity. Be alert and aware of any area where thieves may be hiding, including:
Intersections controlled by stop lights
or signs
Public garages and parking lots
Shopping malls, grocery stores and
convenience stores
Automatic teller machines (ATMs)
Residential driveways, garages, and
streets as you enter and exit the vehicle
Highway exit and entrance ramps, or any
place where drivers slow down and stop
Dark, isolated areas
How to Reduce the Carjacking Risk
Many current theft deterrent systems are
equipped with anti-carjacking features. And while there is no guaranteed way to avoid
being carjacked, your risk of being victimized can also be reduced by practicing these
common sense techniques:
When entering your vehicle and
while driving:
Have your key ready to enter the vehicle,
and check around inside before getting in.
Know where you're going and how to get
there. Call ahead for directions, if necessary.
Drive with all doors locked and windows
up.
Make a mental note of hospitals, police
and fire stations as you pass by.
When pulling up behind another vehicle at
a stoplight or sign, leave enough space in front of you for a emergency escape if needed.
When dropping of a guest at their
vehicle, make sure they are in the car and safely on their way before driving off.
Avoid driving through high-crime or
unfamiliar areas.
Avoid driving during late night and early
morning hours when less traffic is on the road.
Avoid curbside lanes. Drive in the center
lanes away from potential foot traffic.
Do not hurry to stoplights or signs. Keep
the vehicle in motion whenever possible.
When approaching you destination,
parking your vehicle and preparing to exit:
Check rearview mirrors to make sure
you're not being followed.
Choose a secured and well-lit parking lot
or garage near heavily-traveled walkways, streets and businesses for greater visibility.
Park at ground level, if possible, to
avoid using elevators or stairs.
When returning home after dark, have
someone turn on the outside light and meet you at the door, if possible.
When exiting your vehicle, be cautious of
surrounding obstructions and natural barriers that may be concealing a carjacker.
Never sit in a parked or stopped car
eating, sleeping, reading or applying makeup.
Do not park next to suspicious vans,
trucks, dumpsters, or places carjackers may be hiding.
When it comes to strangers:
If approached by a stranger while in your
car, drive off if possible or lean on your horn to attract attention.
Carjackers may stage a minor accident so
they can approach your car. If your car is bumped from behind, and you do not feel
comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest
hospital, police or fire station for help
Do not open your vehicle door or window
for any stranger. If a suspicious person is near you unoccupied car, do not approach. Keep
walking to the nearest public place and call for an escort.
Consider you safety if actually
confronted by a carjacker:
Don't reach for your purse or valuables.
Leave everything behind if forced from the car.
Don't resist, especially if the thief has
a weapon. Give up your vehicle with no questions and move away. Put as much distance
between yourself and the carjacker as quickly as possible in case the thief attempts to
pursue you.
Remember...Your life is worth
more than a car! |
