Most carjacking’s occur in areas where the vehicle is not moving:

• Parking lots and garages
• At stop signs or traffic signals
• On the roadside after a breakdown or while making a telephone call

There are several ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of a carjacking:

• Always park in well lighted areas
• When approaching your vehicle keep the keys in your hand, unlock the door with key fob if possible and lock immediately once your inside the car
• Check the area around the vehicle for suspicious persons before approaching
• Keep the doors locked and windows closed when you’re driving the vehicle
• When stopping at a traffic signal or stop sign, leave sufficient space between you and other vehicles encase you need to change lanes
• Travel on well-traveled and illuminated roads
• Be familiar with the streets and the locations you plan to visit
• Keep volume on GPS low as to not be heard outside of vehicle
• Never open the vehicle for strangers
• If you are in a mall or shopping area, you may ask a security guard to escort you to your vehicle if you feel unsafe or if you have multiple shopping bags

If you are confronted by a carjacker remember:

• Choose life over property... give up the vehicle and walk away (preferably to the rear of the car)
• If pushed inside the car, attempt to escape through any other door

• Don't cross the street without looking
• Don't talk to strangers (Remember Stranger Danger)
• Always use your seat belts
• A whistle to blow in case of danger

• Make your home look lived in
• Turn down the ringer on your home telephone
• Engrave valuables
• If you use an answering machine, message should not indicate that you are alone or out
• Have deadbolts installed on all doors
• Keep doors and windows locked
• Install a peep-hole on your door and look before opening the door
• Never open the door to strangers
• Keep blinds or drapes closed at night to discourage "Peeping Toms"
• Do not hang lingerie outdoors

• Place your mail on hold via the U.S. Postal Service website: https://holdmail.usps.com/holdmail/
• Leave lights on an automatic timer (inexpensive timers may be purchased at a hardware store)
• Request a Watch Order from your local police department for time you are away from home

• During non-peak hours, sit as close to the operator as possible
• If you are going to be out late, be sure you have cab fare, or access to rideshare (Uber, Lyft) through your phone

• When purchasing vehicles and vehicle parts the buyer must beware!
• If something seems too good to be true -- it usually is. A super, great deal may just turn out to be a very bad deal
• Always buy a vehicle or vehicle parts from a dealer, parts store, online location licensed to sell those items
• When purchasing a vehicle, always check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate on the dashboard with the federal sticker or plate at the driver's side door post. Then compare that number with the number on the title. Those numbers must match. If there is no title to the vehicle, then do not purchase it.
• Always verify the ownership information with the seller's name on the driver's license
• Complete the transfer of the title of the vehicle at the Auto Tag Agency

• physical strength
• agility
• speed
• expensive security devices.

• alert
• cautious
• self-confident
• a whistle to blow in case of danger

• Keep doors locked
• Install and use a peephole
• Consider a pet
• Protect valuables by keeping money in a bank, having your Social Security or pension check deposited directly into your account
• Beware of phone scams
• Find out about alarm systems
• Organize a buddy system

• Secure your home
• Secure your wallet
• Plan your route
• Take care with your purse
• Go with a friend

For further information, please contact your local Neighborhood Resource Officers who can provide further assistance to any questions or concerns you might have. They are also available to conduct crime prevention presentations.