After at least two recent brutal carjacking incidents, the Philippine National Police posted tips online for the public to avoid ending up as victims.
The PNP posted a "Carjacking Prevention Tip(s)" link on its account on micro-blogging site Twitter early Thursday.
In turn, the link led to a page in the PNP main website that provided pointers against carjacking.
"Carjacking or carnapping is stealing a car by force has captured headlines across the country. Statistically, your chances of being a carjacking victim are very slim, and prevention actions can reduce the risk even more," the PNP said on its page on carjacking.
"Carjacking isn't just a problem in large cities - it happens inside villages and rural areas or far flung municipalities. Carjackers look for opportunity. They don't choose victims by sex, race, or age," it added.
Carjacking hogged frontpages of dailies with the gruesome deaths of Emerson Lozano, son of Marcos lawyer Oliver Lozano; his driver Ernani Sensil; and car dealer Venson Evangelista. The victims’ charred bodies were found in different areas in Central Luzon days after they disappeared. Lozano’s van was found burning in Bataan last Wednesday.
Late night or early morning
The PNP said that while carjacking can occur anytime, a sizable share appears to take place during the late night hours or early morning.
It said carjackers usually look for prospective victims at intersections controlled by stop lights or signs; garages and parking lots for mass transit; shopping malls and grocery stores; self-serve gas stations and car washes; automated teller machines; residential driveways and streets as people get into and out of cars; and highway exit and entry ramps, or anyplace else that drivers slow down or stop.
The PNP said one of the most common methods used by carjackers is the "Bump and Rob," where the carjacker bumps the victim's vehicle from behind in traffic.
"You quickly get out to check the damage and exchange information. Either the driver or one of the passengers jumps in your car and drives off," it said.
It said prospective victims can counter this with these steps:
If you're bumped by another car, look around before you get out. Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that's rear-ended you and who's in it. If the situation makes you uneasy, memorize or jot down the car's tag number and description; signal the other car to follow you. Drive to the nearest police station or to a busy, well-lighted area. If you do get out of the car, take your keys (and purse or wallet if you have one) with you and stay alert.
The PNP also offered tips on getting in and out of the car, and on the road.
Getting In Walk with purpose and stay alert. Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in. Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out flyers. Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away.
On the Road Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way, if it's hot and you don't have air conditioning), no matter how short the distance or how safe the neighborhood. When you're coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away. Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car. Avoid driving alone. Go with someone whenever possible, especially at night. Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.
Getting Out Park in well-lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if the car is locked. Put them in the trunk or out of sight. Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, without identification. Even if you're rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to the surroundings.
If It Happens to You... If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don't argue. Your life is worth more than a car. Get away from the area as quickly as possible. Try to remember what the carjacker looked like — sex, race, age, hair, eye color, special features, and clothes. Report the crime immediately to the police.
Take Action Work with barangay or community watch groups, law enforcement, automobile club, and other concerned groups to get the word out about carjacking prevention. Try a special flier, a community forum, and posters. Make sure that driver education classes talk to teens about preventing carjacking and other auto theft. Call the radio station and ask the manager to air carjacking prevention tips during airing hours. Ask your insurance agent or company to put carjacking and other auto theft prevention information in notices and bills. Enlist parking lot owners, shopping mall security, and transit authorities and distribute educational materials with carjacking prevention tips. Place carjacking prevention fliers or brochures in the waiting rooms of dealer service departments, auto repair shops and gas stations. Ask your Motor Vehicle Sellers to display carjacking and auto theft prevention advice - posters, handouts, etc.- in its offices and distribute prevention tips in all mailings or in their official websites.
Precautions Never leave your car unlocked, or running, even to dash into a business shop for just a second. Never leave keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-key boxes. Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out-of-sight. Always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas, when possible. Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. Investigate the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently-stolen vehicles. Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership title, or credit cards in your vehicle. If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic, leave only the ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm. In high theft areas the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) should be etched on windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This makes it difficult for a thief to market your stolen car parts. Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report. Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choices are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can’t be started or driven. If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately. — RSJ
