PERSONAL SECURITY -2

CARJACKING

Last night along the street where I live, a Carjacking took place at about 10.00 pm. The driver was returning home and was followed by these criminals and he did not observe that he was followed. On arrival at his gate, he waited inside the car to make a phone call. As the call was going on the criminals descended on him, beat him up ,disposed him of his car and all the contents at gun point.

Last week a Lady had a flat tire in the parking lot of a shopping mall. As she was changing the tire, a handsome and well-dressed man offered to help. After changing the tire, he asked for a lift which the lady would reasonably oblige, but the lady observed that the man had put his brief case in the boot of her car along with the flat tire. She thought very fast and asked him to wait such that she could pick-up one item which she forgot to buy from the shop. She later returned with Security men only to find out that the man had gone. On opening the brief case it was clear that the guy was a kidnapper because the content of the Case were ropes and wide band tapes. It was further discovered that the tire was deliberately deflated by the criminal as there was no puncture.

In times like this these are a very common occurrence and keeping to some of the tips given below might save you agony or loss:

• When in your car, always keep the doors locked and wound up.
•  Any time you drive through areas containing stoplights, stop signs, or anything that significantly reduces vehicular speed, keep your windows up.
• As much as possible, do not keep late nights. Evils are most free at night 
• Learn to check if you are being followed and if you can do not travel around alone. You look like a soft target when alone, especially for ladies.
• If you are being followed, never lead the person back to your home or stop and get out. Drive to the nearest police station or public facility,
• If your compound has a gate, call in advance for the gate to be opened as soon as you arrive. Do not wait at the gate to start hooting the horn.
• If you are traveling alone and a car "bumps" into you, don't stop to exchange accident information. Go to the nearest public place or police station.
• Always leave ample maneuvering space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you are approached by suspicious persons while you are stopped, do not roll down windows; drive away quickly.
• If you are being followed or harassed by another driver, try to find the nearest police station, hotel, or other public facility. Once you find a place of safety, don't worry about using a legal parking space. Park as close as you can, and get inside fast.
• If another driver tries to force you to pull over or to cut you off, keep driving and try to get away.  
• Never, ever pick up hitchhikers! 
• When you park, look for a spot that offers good lighting and is close to a location where there are a lot of people. Do not leave valuables and hand bags inside the car. Lock valuables in the trunk, and lock all doors.
•  If you take packages out to lock them in your trunk, and then plan to return to the stores to do more shopping, it may be a good idea to move your car to another section of the parking lot or street. The criminal knows that you will be coming back and can wait to ambush you. By moving your car, you give the impression you're leaving. If you think you are being followed, do not go back to your car. Return to the safety of the occupied shopping area or office building and contact the authorities. 
• If you are in a parking lot or parked on the street and have trouble, be wary of personal assistance from strangers. Some of the” good Samaritans” who come to help you change that flat tire have ulterior motive.
  
• If you have car trouble on the road, raise your hood. If you have a radio antenna, place a handkerchief or other flag there. When people stop to help, don't get out of the car unless you know them or asses them to be genuine. Please always travel in company in case of situations like breakdown. 
•  If you feel threatened by the presence of nearby strangers, lock yourself in your car and blow the horn to attract attention of others.

Be security conscious, help protect yourself.