Car Jacking

Car jacking is a multi-billion dollar business that has extended a shadow over legitimate insurance companies, shipping companies and car dealerships to questionable shady auto body shops, junkyards and auto part suppliers to avowed criminals. This is why there is no surprise that carjacking has become extensively more violent over the years. A common practice among professional car theft rings to give up to a 1000 dollars for a single car. They are sent out to get a particular type of car. The more expensive the car, the more they get paid. A pack of car thieves can gather up to several cars a night.

While car theft could take a couple of minutes, carjacking can take a matter of seconds.

What you should know about carjacking?

Carjacking is considered a crime of violence therefore it is a felony offense. Because the law sees it as a crime against a person, the sentencing is more severe then the average car theft. What does this mean to you?

Well the criminal carjacking you know this too, and they still make the conscience decision to take the risk. This tells you they have one or more of the following attributes: lazy, stupid, desperate or violent. This is not a good combination when he or she is pointing a gun at your head.

Acting like a hero when dealing with type of person is very smart.

What can you do prevent a car jacking? Here are some prevention tips.

Wear a seat belt and lock your doors while driving

Carjacking relies on speed. Carjackers have to quickly open the door and pull you out, jump into it and drive away. A locked door and seatbelt greatly slows down the process. Many carjackers may abort the mission when noticing a seatbelt or a locked door.

Look around before you put the key in the lock.

This is the second defense. A quick scan of your surroundings can alert you to any possible immediate dangers. It is better to look around before you approach your car. If you notice a strange character, keep on moving. Do not get caught between cars limiting your options of escape.

Immediately lock your car doors when getting in a car.

Very similar to the first tip, a locked door slows down the carjacker allowing enough time for an appropriate response. It also is a good idea to put your car in gear while waiting for your car to warm up.

Do not open the door or roll down the window.

If a man or woman approaches your car, do not roll down the window all the way or unlock your door. Cracking the window will allow enough of an air flow to hear them. Cracking the window will prevent the person from reaching in or stabbing you with a knife.

Throw your car keys.

If you are confronted while attempting to enter your car, throw your car keys in one direction and run in the opposite. This will give the perpetrator the option of chasing you or going for the car. This does one of two things.

First: If the perpetrator chases you, this tells you the extent of your danger and what response is needed.

Second: It could startle the perpetrator enough to simply abort the mission.