September 30th, 2009 · Courtesy of Cheryl Watterson www.homesecurity911.com
Be Alert And Aware Of Your Surroundings When You Are Out Late At Night – Especially When You Are Alone Or In An Area That May Be Suspect To Criminal Type Activity.
There are criminals waiting to catch people who are not paying attention — those who have let their guard down — and attack at the opportune time! Remember to stay aware, stay alert, so you stay alive!
Today, citizens have a lot to be conerned about and certainly to stay aware of -a crazy economy, job losses, home burglaries/home invasion robbery crimes that are increasing and personal attacks on the rise. Something as simple as going to the grocery store, the local Target store, or just getting out of your car in front of your apartment, you need to be more alert and aware of things that are going on around you. You never know when there could be someone waiting in the parking lot to carjack your vehicle or worse yet, abduct you!!! (Click Here – See recent article on two teens carjacked and thrown in the trunk of their vehicle).
Make your personal safety and security a habit, especially when you are away from home and by yourself. I have included a personal protection device – the 4 In 1 Emergency Tool – that you may want to keep in your car’s front seat area as well as one in the trunk. The cost is small when you compare the value this tool can provide in helping you survive an emergency or even a carjacking if you are stuffed into the trunk of your vehicle.
Watch this short video and learn how to avoid being a carjacking victim. They seem so common-sense yet people who become victims of this crime don’t always follow these tips. Listen and learn!! (Video Courtesy of eHowauto).
It Can Happen Anywhere And To Anyone
• Though carjackings can occur anytime, a sizeable share appear to take place during the late night hours.
• Carjacking isn’t just a problem in large cities – it happens in suburbs, small towns, and rural areas.
• Carjackers look for opportunity. They don’t choose victims by sex, race, or age.
What Do Carjackers Look For And What Should You Do To Avoid Being A Victim?
Areas that carjackers target are: intersections controlled by traffic lights or stops lights, parking garages, shopping malls, grocery stores, gas stations, car washes, ATM machines, residential driveways or apartment parking lots, highway exits, and entry ramps.
First and foremost make sure you lock your doors as soon as you enter your car and make sure the windows are all rolled up. Don’t make it easy for the carjacker to gain access into your car.
1. Be alert to your surroundings, even when you feel rushed. When approaching your car, have your keys in your hand, and check the back seat before you get in.
2. If someone is loitering near your unoccupied car as you approach it, keep walking until the person leaves.
3. Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out flyers. Trust your instincts – if something makes you feel uneasy, get into your car quickly, lock the doors and drive away.
4. Avoid driving alone. Have someone with you especially at night.
5. When you come to a stop, leave enough space to maneuver around other cars. In extreme situations you might even consider going through a traffic light, as long as you can do so without causing an accident.
6. Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Instead, drive to the nearest phone or use your cell phone to call the police for help.
7. If you are driving home and notice someone you don’t recognize loitering, drive around the block and come back after the person has left.
8. Avoid parking near anything that limits your visibility.
Most importantly – If a carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car! Don’t’ argue. Your life is worth far more than a car!
If someone takes your car, get away from the area as quickly as you can. Try to remember what the carjacker looked like and report the crime immediately to the police.
Consider carrying some type of personal protection on your keychain like pepper spray or mace spray, or even a stun gun or TASER C2. Check out all your personal protection products at www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com.
As mentioned in many of my articles, taking a self-defense or safety awareness training class can teach you how to protect and defend yourself against criminal attacks. Check with your local law enforcement to see if they have self-defense training classes available.
Again, get your Personal Protection Products at http://www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com
Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!!
