Carjacking

Carjacking, or stealing a car by force, is a problem that occurs everywhere, not just in large cities. Although it typically occurs late at night, a carjacking can happen anytime the thief sees an opportunity.

Some Areas to be Wary Of:

• Intersections
• parking garages or lots
• self-serve gas stations and car washes
• ATMs
• highway exit and entry ramps

A typical example of carjacking is the “Bump and Rob.” A car, with one or more persons inside, rear-ends or “bumps” you. As you get out, checking for damages, the driver or one of the passengers drives off with your vehicle.

If you are rear-ended, check your surroundings. If the situation makes you feel uneasy, write down a description of the vehicle along with the tag number; signal the other car to follow you. Proceed to the nearest police station or busy well-lit area. If you do decide to get out of the car, take your keys, and purse, or wallet, and stay alert.

Some General Rules to Follow:

• Always trust your instincts.
• Walk briskly and confidently.
• Have your key out and ready before you reach the car.
• Keep your doors locked and your windows rolled up.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Keep valuables out of sight.

If a carjacking does happen to you, do not argue. Your vehicle is always worth far less than your life. Leave the area as soon as possible. Report the crime immediately, remembering details of the carjacker’s appearance, such as age, sex, race, hair and eye color, clothing, and identifying features such as scars.

Protecting Yourself from Theft

There are some common-sense guidelines you should follow to protect yourself from being a victim of car theft.

• Lock Your Doors: Locks are standard on all automobiles. This is the cheapest and easiest thing you can do to deter thieves. Never leave your keys in your car, either.
• Alarm: Using a device that visibly or audibly alarms those near is very effective at deterring thieves.
• Autho Security System: A device that doesn’t allow the thief to start or drive the car is an easy, cost-effective way to ensure that your car will remain where you left it.

The Club® as an Auto Security System

There are many auto security systems available, but perhaps the most well-known is The Club®. The Club® is the original, patented vehicle steering wheel lock and the #1 selling mechanical anti-theft device for cars and trucks. Because of its popularity, The Club® instantly alerts a potential thief that your car is protected. Defeating this devise is virtually impossible: the time and energy it would take are a thief’s biggest deterrents.

Benefits of The Club®

• 95% brand name awareness.
• Chrome plated lock housing.
• The #1 selling mechanical steering wheel lock in the world.
• Patented, self-locking mechanism for quick, convenient application.
• Superior cro-moly steel construction resists sawing, prying, hammering, and Freon attacks.
• Universal Fit: works on cars, trucks, and SUV's

Using Knowledge as Part of Your Auto Security System

Check out these statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau to arm yourself with information:

Top Ten Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles, 2005

Top 10 U.S. Metropolitan Areas for Vehicle Theft, 2005