How to prevent a carjacking

Australian motorists are under increasing threat.

Carjacking is becoming more common. Crime Statistics Agency data shows nearly 200 incidents were reported in Victoria between April 2015 and March 2016. In the US, the annual carjacking figure is close to 49,000.

Realistically none of us are immune to carjacking. However, understanding the reasons behind the crime can help you be better prepared, and the reality is drivers do have a number of simple security measures at their disposal.

Why are carjackings so prevalent?
Ironically, modern car security systems are partly to blame for the surge in carjacking. New cars are fitted with high-tech transponder keys and alarms that make the theft of parked, locked cars exceedingly difficult. In short, no key means no ride, and for a prospective thief, carjacking is an easy alternative.

Unfortunately this means your car is now a target – whether out on the road, stopped in your driveway, or even at a service station while refuelling. And, sadly, the statistics show elderly and female drivers are at higher risk.

As with most car theft, the reasons for carjacking are familiar. These can include simple joyriding, theft for parts for a ‘chop shop’, for sale into another country, or use in other crimes such as robberies and ‘smash and grabs’.

There’s also a small chance a carjacking is carried out to target the driver.

Be aware of your surroundings
Being alert and aware of who might be around you is crucial to your own security – especially when parked or stationary at an intersection or in traffic.

It’s advisable to park in a well-lit area, preferably on a busy road or a well-trafficked section of the car park. When returning to your vehicle, walk purposefully and take note of the position of CCTV cameras. Be mindful of anyone following or loitering nearby, and have your keys in hand ready to go.

Look into and under your car, including the back seat, before entering. Once inside, be sure to lock the doors and start your car immediately – in that order. Drive away from the parking space as soon as possible, and if you need to insert a card to open a boom gate, be especially vigilant when lowering your window.

We always recommend leaving plenty of fuel in your car. Being stranded in dodgy locations searching for a fuel bowser can make you a target. If you need to search for a petrol station on your phone, be certain pull over in a safe location, and lock your doors before pulling out the phone.

Statistically, and in order, parking areas, work places, roads, driveways and service stations are the riskiest carjacking situations. Never leave your keys in your car when it’s unattended and avoid sitting in your car with the engine switched off. Having the engine running saves you precious time should you need to escape.

Drive tactically
A recent trip to South Africa brought me in contact with a professional chauffeur who was well trained in avoiding carjackings. His advice was that drivers should never appear to be distracted, saying we should put the phone away, keep our vision up, and continually check outside the windows and in your mirrors. Driving vigilantly, confidently, and display control was in many instances deterrent enough.

He also said that you should always drive with your windows up and the doors locked. Many new cars can be programmed to lock the doors automatically once started, in gear, or when moving – check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle has this feature.

Avoid driving with valuables (such as laptops, handbags and phones) in view. Place these sorts of items in the boot – not on a seat where they may be viewed by passers-by.

When coming to a stop at an intersection his advice was to seek to position your car with a potential escape path in mind. Stop in the lane closest to the verge or the centre of the road to give yourself an option should you be confronted. And always leave enough room between yourself and the car in front to manoeuvre out of position should you be threatened.

Fitting your vehicle with a dash cam could also be useful, and learn how to use all of the features of your car’s security system. Many cars have in-built panic alarms, some even capable of dialling 000 in an emergency.

Tap and grab
The practice of ‘tap and grab’ carjacking is becoming more prevalent. In this scenario, a carjacker will typically instigate a minor rear-end crash into your car with theirs. Then, when you exit your car (to exchange phone numbers, addresses and insurance details), you are open to have the driver or cohorts steal your car.

Another method is to drive in front of you and tap the brakes causing you to hit them. It’s the same scenario. You jump out to exchange details and the driver, passenger, or a second accomplice in a following vehicle steals your car.

If you’re involved in either scenario, we recommend first taking a good look at your surroundings to understand the situation. If the occupants of the car look suspicious, dial 000 from your hands-free phone.

Give-in and run
Assuming none of the above options are viable – or you’re unable or unwilling to defend yourself – the over-riding piece of advice we can offer in a carjacking situation is to simply give-in and run.

Most carjackers want your car, not you, and if the carjacker appears angry, nervous, violent or excited it’s best you keep yourself safe by handing over the keys and getting to safety as quickly as possible.

If the carjacker is attempting to take your vehicle with your child or children inside, inform them loudly and repeatedly this is the case. Most carjackers don’t want the ‘inconvenience’ of a kidnapping.

Above all, try to remain composed – and make note of the carjacker’s details. Gender, skin colour, nationality, clothing, height, weight, accent, hair colour, tattoos or other distinguishing marks will be useful in a subsequent police report. Give this information, and the details of your car, to the police as soon as possible, preferably from the scene. If possible, secure the assistance of a witness.

What if I’m stuck in the car with the carjacker?
It might be rare, but in some circumstances you may find yourself trapped in the car with your carjacker – whether as an unwilling driver or passenger.

In this situation it’s important to be as calm and cooperative as possible. Use the calm you’ve created to buy time – time you can use to plan your escape or fight back. Create a distraction, drive to a police station, manned service station or a populated area, or simply wait for the vehicle to stop and an intersection and bail out.

Unfortunately being a trapped in the car with someone intent on doing you harm is a tough situation and no advice will be appropriate in every situation. Keep your wits about you, think fast and act slowly. Remember, lulling your attacker into a false sense of security is the most likely scenario in which they will drop their guard and present you with an opportunity to escape.

Disclaimer – all information supplied is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. In most carjacking situations it is advised to cooperate and hand your keys over as quickly and calmly as possible. Contact your state’s police force if you have any specific concerns.