Tips on Preventing Carjacking

Carjacking is a very serious and sometimes traumatic form of auto theft.  It is also a crime of opportunity that can threaten an individuals personal safety. 

Carjackers utilize particular conditions to select their victims in which they target the vulnerable, unaware and/or unprepared people.  It is very important that you appear to be confident and also aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when driving at slow speeds and stopping or parking at the following:

 Intersections controlled by either a traffic light or signs

 Parking garages and other parking areas

 Residential driveways and streets where people are often getting in and out of cars
 Self service gas stations
 A drive-thru Bank

 Freeway exit ramps and entry ramps

The main key to avoiding this type of crime is prevention.  It is always a good idea to think about what you would do if you ever became a carjacking victim.  You can reduce your risk of being considered by following these precautions:

Keep all of your doors locked and your windows up while driving

Keep all of your valuable items out of plain view

Whenever possible, do not drive alone in remote, isolated or unfamiliar areas

Have your vehicle serviced regularly to ensure that everything is working properly

Travel on highly traveled main roads as much as possible

Try and drive in the lane nearest to the center of the road that way you can distance yourself from any would be pedestrian attacker and avoid being pushed to the shoulder of the road

Drive on well lit roads when traveling at night

When you're stopped in traffic make sure you leave enough room in between your car and the one in front in case you need to move forward or you need to maneuver out

When parking try not to park next to high-profile vehicles such as a van or a huge SUV type vehicle as they can conceal a would be suspect

When you're walking to your vehicle have your keys in your hand and enter your vehicle quickly and lock your doors as soon as you get inside

Do not pull over if a suspicious driver or person motions you to do so

If you feel that someone is following you do not drive home, drive around the block a few times and if they continue to follow you contact the police if you have a cell phone or drive to the nearest police station

If you are involved in a minor accident and/or you think your vehicle might have been stuck intentionally and you're in a remote area -- motion the other driver to follow you to the nearest police station or open business and then exchange information or call the police from there

If you are in an accident make sure you take your keys, wallet or purse out of the vehicle with you when you get out of the vehicle

 

Contact Information for the YSU Police:

 

Non-emergencies: 330-941-3527

911 for emergencies from any campus phone

Campus Police Website: http://www.ysu.edu/police

Youngstown Police contact information:

330-747-7911