It's a frightening thought, being targeted by an attacker in the apparent safety of your own car, at traffic lights or en route to the parking lot, but that's exactly what vehicle jacking is - the theft of an individual's car either when they are still in it or still present at the scene. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security set about describing the various methods vehicle-jackers can use to force their unsuspecting victim out of the car.
The first is 'The Bump'; the vehicle-jacker feigns an accidental knock to the rear of the car in front, forcing the victim out of their car. The second is 'The Good Samaritan'; the victim pulls over to aid what looks to be an ordinary breakdown, but which turns out to be a faade staged to steal the victim's vehicle. The third is labelled 'The Ruse', during which the attacker flashes the car lights and gestures that there is something wrong with the victim's car. When the victim pulls over the carjacker moves in.
High profile case solver Crimewatch reconstructed the scene of a carjacking case a few years ago, the attacker responsible for targeting Susan Musker's Ford Escort in a Cheshire car park. Once the car had been accosted, the thief ran her down leaving her hospitalised before making his exit. She later noted that she had seen a suspicious looking man loitering around the area, and had gone back to check her car was properly locked. This was when the thief advanced, taking her car keys by force. Police often advise that victims willingly give up their car to avoid the threat of physical harm, but should immediately report the incident to the authorities.
Independent charity for the prevention of crime, Crimestoppers, advises that all drivers securely lock their vehicle at all times- a measure which is of particular importance when in congestion or at traffic lights. The charity also advises that any incident during which your vehicle is clipped by another in what appears to be a non-accidental collisions should be treated with care; a sensible tip to communicate with the culprit through the car window.
Police watchdog Crimewatch advise on a few simple guidelines to avoid the risk of becoming a carjackers target; never park in a low visibility area, always lock your doors, keep your car keys to hand and try to avoid parking areas that look overly empty or ill-monitored.
The first is 'The Bump'; the vehicle-jacker feigns an accidental knock to the rear of the car in front, forcing the victim out of their car. The second is 'The Good Samaritan'; the victim pulls over to aid what looks to be an ordinary breakdown, but which turns out to be a faade staged to steal the victim's vehicle. The third is labelled 'The Ruse', during which the attacker flashes the car lights and gestures that there is something wrong with the victim's car. When the victim pulls over the carjacker moves in.
High profile case solver Crimewatch reconstructed the scene of a carjacking case a few years ago, the attacker responsible for targeting Susan Musker's Ford Escort in a Cheshire car park. Once the car had been accosted, the thief ran her down leaving her hospitalised before making his exit. She later noted that she had seen a suspicious looking man loitering around the area, and had gone back to check her car was properly locked. This was when the thief advanced, taking her car keys by force. Police often advise that victims willingly give up their car to avoid the threat of physical harm, but should immediately report the incident to the authorities.
Independent charity for the prevention of crime, Crimestoppers, advises that all drivers securely lock their vehicle at all times- a measure which is of particular importance when in congestion or at traffic lights. The charity also advises that any incident during which your vehicle is clipped by another in what appears to be a non-accidental collisions should be treated with care; a sensible tip to communicate with the culprit through the car window.
Police watchdog Crimewatch advise on a few simple guidelines to avoid the risk of becoming a carjackers target; never park in a low visibility area, always lock your doors, keep your car keys to hand and try to avoid parking areas that look overly empty or ill-monitored.
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