| CAR JACKING Armed
Theft Of Automobiles From Their Drivers... Imagine
having someone walk up to you while you're sitting in your car obeying
a traffic signal, thrusting a gun in your face, and taking your car from
you. Or having your vehicle stolen while you are parked, (even in your
own driveway), or getting gas. This is the new crime called CARJACKING.
It can happen anywhere, not just in traditional "high crime" neighborhoods, and it is just as likely to occur during the daylight as it is after dark. Why Is Carjacking On The Increase? Although statistics are not yet available, CARJACKING has every appearance of becoming the growth crime of the 90's. 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 it is to break into a locked car, especially if the car is alarmed. According to FBI statistics, a very small percentage of arrest 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. Anybody Can Be A Target While most carjackers look for sleek, powerful luxury model cars to steal and sell, others will go after any easy target of opportunity, sometimes just stealing on an impulse for 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.
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