Do You Know What Carjacking Is?
Carjacking is a violent act that involves stealing a car by using threats, often ejecting the driver while the vehicle is stationary. Reacting appropriately in such situations is essential.
What Attitude to Adopt During a Carjacking?
Having your car stolen is never pleasant. When the theft involves violence, things can escalate quickly if you resist the thief, who is often armed. The best response during a carjacking is not to resist and to let the criminal take your vehicle.
If you are trapped inside the vehicle and someone is trying to force their way in, attract the attention of passersby by honking your horn or flashing your lights. This may discourage them from attacking you. You can also try to contact the police by dialing 117 if your phone is accessible during the carjacking.
In any case, do not put your life in danger for a car. Comply as much as possible with the criminal if you are threatened and do not position yourself in their path when they drive away with your car. Stay calm and take note of all details that may help locate the vehicle or the thief:
- Description of the person(s) involved in the theft
- License plate of their vehicle, if you were able to see it
Every little detail can be crucial when filing a report.
What to Do After Your Car Is Stolen?
If you have been a victim of a carjacking, the first thing to do is call 117 to alert the authorities about the stolen vehicle and file a report at the nearest police station as soon as possible.
If there were witnesses to the incident, encourage them to accompany you to the police station to lend more weight to your statement. When filing your report, provide as much information as possible about the circumstances and any distinguishing features that could help identify the perpetrators.
Finally, contact your insurance company to report the vehicle theft, providing them with the police report. The compensation for the vehicle or any damages caused will vary according to the type of car insurance policy you have.
How to Prevent Carjacking?
Carjacking is becoming increasingly common, often catching unprepared drivers by surprise. However, there are some effective tips to protect yourself from a carjacking.
- When you are driving, lock the doors, close the windows, and buckle your seatbelt. This will make it harder for a carjacker to pull you out of the vehicle, thus discouraging them.
- Do not leave your bag or valuables on the passenger seat or in the back of the vehicle. Instead, place them at your feet to make them harder for a thief to reach.
- Keep your mobile phone within reach just in case.
- Do not respond to insults from another driver or passerby. This may be a tactic to get you out of your car or to stop you.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This will allow you to maneuver away in case of a potential carjacking.
- Always turn off the engine when you leave your vehicle and never leave the keys in the ignition.
- Park in busy parking lots and areas. If it is nighttime, prefer well-lit parking areas.
- If you notice a vehicle broken down on the side of the road, approach with caution. Do not exit your vehicle and communicate with the other driver by keeping your window partially rolled up, just in case.
In our next article, we will discuss what to do if you are a victim of a hit-and-run; you may feel you will never be compensated.
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