If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic on the 405 and had to suffer through some dreadful pandemic movie soundtrack, you’re not alone. According to The Los Angeles Times, car jacking is on the rise, with attacks increasing 57% from 2016 to 2017. So what’s driving this uptick in crime? According to a study by The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, “the availability of narcotics and the growth of gang activity” are both factors that contribute to car jackings. So if you’re ever feeling unsafe in your own vehicle, don’t hesitate to pull over into a gas station or convenience store for some peace of mind.
What is a car jacking?
A car jacking is when someone forcibly takes control of a car, typically to steal it. This can be done by force, through use of a weapon, or by trickery.
What are the different types of carjackings?
There are a few different types of carjackings, but the most common is when a person takes control of a car by force. This can happen through armed robbery, when the robber holds a gun to the driver’s head, or when they use physical force to take over the car.
Another type of carjacking is when someone uses deception or threats to take control of a car. This can happen when the thief posing as a police officer or another official meets the driver at a designated spot and tells them that their vehicle has been pulled over for a traffic violation. The thief then demand access to the car and/or its contents, which can include anything from money to expensive items.
The final type of carjacking is considered extremely rare and typically happens when a victim is leaving or returning to their car after work. In this case, the thief will wait for the victim to get close enough before grabbing onto their vehicle and taking off.
How do carjackers get your vehicle?
Carjackers use a variety of methods to get your vehicle, including luring you away with a friendly conversation before attacking, using a weapon to steal your car, or waiting for you after you’ve parked and then stealing your car. A carjacker’s goal is usually to get as far away with your vehicle as possible, so if you can keep them at a distance, you’ll be less likely to become a victim.
How to avoid being carjacked?
When it comes to carjackings, there are several things that you can do to try and avoid becoming a victim.
The first thing that you can do is to make sure that your car is well-locked. This will help keep potential carjackers from being able to access your vehicle easily. Additionally, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially if you are travelling in a high-crime area. If you feel like someone is following you, or if you see someone suspicious in the area, take caution and leave your car immediately.
Another thing that you can do is to always carry some form of identification with you. If you are ever forced to hand over your vehicle, having some form of identification will help prove your innocence. Additionally, make sure that your windows are up completely and your door is locked whenever you are driving – these are all basic safety precautions that can help prevent carjackers from gaining access to your vehicle.
What to do if you are carjacked?
If you are the victim of a carjacking, there are a few things that you can do to protect yourself. The first thing is to always keep your belongings close to you, especially if you are using a handbag as your only form of protection. If the carjacker makes you get out of the car, try to stay calm and remember what the person looked like. If you can’t remember their face, try to remember what they were wearing or how they were dressed. Try not to show any signs of fear or anger and don’t offer them anything unless you are sure that they will let you go. If they make you get into another vehicle, be very careful who you talk to and make sure that you have a way out if things start going bad. If the carjacker tries to take your cell phone or other important belongings, resist any attempts to grab them and use whatever force is necessary to keep them safe. Finally, never give away your location or let the carjacker know your home address.
Conclusion
A car jacking is a traumatic experience that can leave you feeling scared, vulnerable and hopeless. If you are the victim of a car jacking, please know that there is help available. There are hotlines available to support those who have been through such an ordeal, and many organizations work to raise awareness about the dangers of car jackings in order to bring perpetrators to justice. If you have any information regarding a carjacking investigation or if you have been the victim of one yourself, please do not hesitate to reach out for help.