Carjacking: the real life threat.

By Finley R. Newton


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.

In April 2012, a man was confronted by two armed men in South Africa, pushing him into the boot of his own Golf car and driving away with their victim. The man's eventual saviour arrived in the unexpected form of a social network site.

The final and likely most disturbing trick vehicle-jackers can utilise is called 'The Trap', the attackers stalking their victim back to his or her own driveway. This was a similar scenario to the April 2012 case of attackers pulling a Birmingham mother from her car along the road in which she lived, attempting to drive away with her two children still in the backseat. While this was more of a random attack than a premeditated crime, it affirms that an awareness of the surroundings is crucial to avoid falling prey to potential attackers.

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.

Crimestoppers advise drivers to avoid the risk of becoming a target for vehicle jacking by taking extra car to ensure doors are locked at all times when in the car and out of it, never to park in overly secluded areas, and always keep your car keys to hand to avoid the need to divert attention away from the surroundings.




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