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Spotting and avoiding carjackers' traps


Carjackings are crimes of opportunity. Here are some common attack plans:

The bump: The attacker bumps the victim's vehicle from behind. The victim gets out to assess the damage and exchange information. The victim's car gets stolen.

Good Samaritan: The attacker stages an accident or fakes an injury. The victim stops to assist, and the car is stolen.

The ruse: The vehicle behind the victim flashes its lights, or the driver waves to get the victim's attention. The attacker tries to indicate that there is a problem with the victim's car. The victim pulls over. The car is stolen.

The trap: Carjackers use surveillance to follow the victim home. When the victim pulls into his or her driveway, the attackers pull up behind and block the victim's car, then steal it.

These are the most common areas for carjackings nationally:

■ High-crime areas

■ Gas stations

■ Lesser traveled roads (rural areas)

■ Intersections where you must stop

■ Isolated areas in parking lots

■ Residential driveways and gates

■ Traffic jams or congested areas

Steps you can take to lessen your chances of getting carjacked:

1. Keep some distance between you and the vehicle in front so you can maneuver easily if necessary — about one-half of your vehicle's length. You should always be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you.

2. When stopped, use your rear- and side-view mirrors to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your doors locked and windows up.

3. Keep your home well lit. Install motion lights and/or a timer on your porch light, the garage or exterior house lights.

4. When arriving home, honk the horn to alert family members and neighbors. This also can startle would-be carjackers.

5. Phone home before you arrive to let someone in the house know you are en route. Keep someone on the phone when you do arrive so you can alert them should something happen in the driveway.

6. If you see suspicious individuals or vehicles around or near your home, flick your bright lights on and off and honk the horn to let any potential criminals know you are aware of their presence. Call family members or neighbors and have them locate the possible threat.

7. Avoid gas stations and ATMs in poorly lit areas.

8. Use secured parking areas whenever possible.

During a carjacking, steps you can take:

■ Most carjackers only want your car. Try to stay calm. Do not stare at the attacker as this may seem aggressive and cause them to harm you.

■ Listen carefully to all directions. Make no quick or sudden movements that could be construed as a counterattack. Always keep your hands in plain view and tell the attacker of every move in advance.

A homeowner was wounded and an intruder killed in a gun battle this morning inside a home on Detroit's east side.

■ Make the attacker aware if children are present.

■ Give up your car.


■ Give police as many details as possible: Describe the attackers, facial hair, scars, their vehicle, license plate number if you can and any scratches, dents or bumper stickers on their car.

Source: U.S. Department of State and Detroit Police Department