Carjacking on the Rise
Parked cars, especially luxury models, equipped with sophisticated, built-in alarm systems and theft deterrent devices, are becoming harder to steal. Car thieves find it much easier to steal a car while the owner is there with the keys in the ignition, than to break into a locked car, especially if the car is alarmed.

According to FBI statistics, a very small percentage of arrests are made for these thefts. Some of the cars are cut up for parts, others are stolen to be exported and sold. Many are stolen simply because the thief wants to take a joy ride.

How You Can Avoid Being Carjacked
While there is no guaranteed way of avoiding being carjacked, there are some common-sense precautions you can take to put the odds in your favor.

Before You Enter Your Car

• Be alert to any activity near your car. Pay attention to your surroundings.
• When approaching your car to enter it, have your key in your hand and check the handles, locks, and back seat before entering.
• If there is someone loitering near your unoccupied car as you approach it, keep walking until they leave.

Once You Are In Your Car

• Keep your doors and windows locked.
• Stay out of high-crime areas, especially after dark.
• Be suspicious of people approaching your car asking for directions, change, or giving out flyers.
• When stopping in traffic, leave enough distance between your car and the one in front of you so you can pull away quickly if necessary.
• If a suspicious looking person approaches your car, drive away carefully, even if you must go through a traffic light.
• If you are driving home, and there's somebody walking down the street that you don't recognize, drive around the block and come back after that person has left.
• If another driver bumps your car, or your tire goes flat, keep your doors and windows closed and wait for the police to arrive, or drive slowly to the nearest Police Station.
• Be alert when using drive-up automated teller machines (ATMs).
• If you have a cellular phone, call for help.
• If you are confronted, don't resist.