Carjacking of parked vehicles depends on the car owner being inattentive to their surroundings. Carjackers, like street robbers, prefer the element of surprise.  Most victims say they never saw the carjacker until they appeared at their car door. To reduce your risk of being carjacked, we have listed some common sense steps below:

1. Always park in well-lighted areas, if you plan to arrive/leave after dark
2. Don't park in isolated or visually obstructed areas near walls or heavy foliage
3. Use valet parking or an attended garage, if you're a woman driving alone
4. As you walk to your car be alert to suspicious persons sitting in cars
5. Ask for a security escort if you are alone at a shopping center
6. Watch out for young males loitering in the area (handing out flyers, etc)
7. If someone tries to approach, change direction or run to a busy store
8. Follow your instincts if they tell you to walk/run away to a busy place
9. As you approach your vehicle, look under, around, and inside your car
10. If safe, open the door, enter quickly, and lock the doors
11. Don't be a target by turning your back while loading packages into the car
12. Make it your habit to always start your car and drive away immediately
13. Teach and practice with your children to enter and exit the car quickly
14. In the city, always drive with your car doors locked and windows rolled up
15. When stopped in traffic, leave room to maneuver and escape, if necessary
16. If you are bumped in traffic, by young males, be suspicious of the accident
17. Wave to follow, and drive to a gas station or busy place before getting out
18. If you are ever confronted by an armed carjacker don't resist
19. Give up your keys or money if demanded without resistance
20. Don't argue, fight or chase the robber.   You can be seriously injured
21. Never agree to be kidnapped.  Drop the cars keys and run and scream for help
22. If you are forced to drive, consider crashing your car near a busy intersection so bystanders can come to your aid and call the police
23. Call the police immediately to report the crime and provide detailed information