The following information was provided by Jim Hartnett, Director of Community-wide Security at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Mr. Hartnett provided these suggestions in response to a request for more detailed information, specifically what to do when there are, G-d forbid, children in the vehicle.
Here are some additional points to consider if you are ever the victim of a carjacking:
- If there is a child in the car with you, let the carjackers know by informing him in a loud-clear voice repeating, “my child is in the car.” While announcing the presence of the child in the car, continue to unbuckle the child from the car seat. Remove the child to a safe area and leave as fast as possible.
- In the past, many law officers said that victims of carjacking, especially women, should not resist the criminal act or fight back. Not all people agree with this position, but most agree you have a better chance of surviving if you resist and fight back.
- If thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back taillights, stick your arm out of the opening and start waving like crazy. The driver will not be able to see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.
- Women have a tendency to get into their car and just sit (organizing their belongings). DO NOT DO THIS! The predator may be watching and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially upon entering your car in a garage or parking lot. Look into your car, including the passenger side and back seat before entering the car.
- If a van is parked next to your car on the driver’s side, enter your car from the passenger door. In many cases an attacker will pull the victim into their van while they are attempting to get into their car.
- Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of the vehicle and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may be better off to walk back to the mall, work, and get a guard/policeman to escort you to your car.
Jennifer Weber says
Most newer model cars have an emergency release cord in the trunk that glows in the dark.
Gedaliah Yitzchak Corbett says
A good safety tip is to carry a flashlight around with you and shine it on your way to your car. You might also consider shining it around you, into the cars next to your car and into your own car, especially the back seat, before getting in.
Avrohom says
You can purchase a Club which locks the steering wheel for about $12.95 on Ebay.
Shmuel Kessler says
Avrohom, I can see the Club perhaps preventing a stolen vehicle but how would it prevent carjacking? It actually seems the opposite! Using a Club is contradicts Hartnett’s and others’ advice to get in the car, lock and go as quickly as possible.