Each month the Auto Theft Division will
provide auto theft prevention techniques with reviews of
various anti-theft devices, informational awareness
issues, and local information with regard to areas of
Houston where there is a statistical increase in auto
theft related crimes. This information is designed to
help keep you informed of theft prevention strategies
that you can adopt to protect your vehicle and enhance
your awareness of those areas where auto theft related
crimes appear to be on the increase.
Car-Jacking
During the
90's a new and sometimes deadly crime has evolved
throughout the country. It involves the theft of your
vehicle by use of force or threat of serious bodily
injury. Car-jacking can happen anywhere. It has occurred
at intersections, ATM machines, shopping malls and inside
residential driveways and garages. Any time that your are
in your vehicle, you can become a victim. The criminal
that wants your car may use it in the commission of
another crime, sell it for major component parts, be
responding to a "gang" membership requirement
or simply want a car to drive rather than walk.
Regardless of the motivation, it is a potentially deadly
situation.
Prevention
As with
all crimes there are some commonsense measures that you
can employ to avoid being car-jacked.
As
you approach your vehicle, check around and
inside it before entering. If you observe a
suspicious person or activity then do not
approach your vehicle.
Drive
with the doors locked and the windows up.
Whenever
possible leave a "safety zone" between
you and the vehicle in front of you at stop signs
and traffic signals.
Drive
in center lanes where possible, avoiding the
curb-side lane if practical.
Avoid
driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas,
particularly late at night or early in the
morning.
Check
your rearview mirror to make sure you are not
being followed.
Park
in heavily traveled areas near entrances to
businesses.
Prior
to exiting your vehicle, take the time to look
around particularly at areas that could conceal a
criminal.
Do
not park near vans, trucks or other vehicles
where you cannot observe their interiors.
Eating,
sleeping, reading or applying make-up in a parked
car is an open invitation to car-jackers.
Car-jackers
have been known to stage minor accidents so that
they can approach your car. If your vehicle is
bumped from behind and you don't feel comfortable
with the individuals involved, drive to the
nearest police or fire station.
If
you are confronted by a car-jacker, especially if
the thief has a weapon, give up your car
immediately and move away. Your life is more
valuable than your car or possessions!
