January 5, 2022
Agency
REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF BEING CARJACKED
THERE HAVE BEEN 423 CARJACKINGS WITHIN THE CLEVLAND CITY LIMITS OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS!
THIS INCLUDES THE NEW YEARS EVE CARJACKING OF OFF-DUTY CLEVELAND POLICE OFFICER SHANE BARTEK, DURING WHICH HE WAS FATALLY SHOT.
The below tips from Law Enforcement and Private Security professionals can help prevent you from getting carjacked, and ultimately save your life:
1. Loose the “IT”S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME” mentality.
2. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Pay special attention to people who seem to be lurking about or suspicious vehicles.
3. Keep windows up and doors locked.
4. Allow yourself room in traffic to move around other cars and avoid getting “boxed in”…especially at traffic lights.
5. Avoid being alone in your vehicle in certain areas, such as high crime neighborhoods, isolated roads and intersections.
6. Be aware of how carjackers lure victims. These include bumping your car, pretending to be stranded motorists or flashing their lights as if there were something wrong with your car. In each of these scenarios, you might be tempted to pull over.
7. If a threat jumps in front of your vehicle…DO NOT STOP, KEEP DRIVING. Call 911 and drive to the nearest police or fire station.
8. Practice Safe parking:
* Do not sit / wait in parked vehicle playing on your cell phone…especially with the engine running.
* Keep scanning your surroundings.
* Be alert about anyone approaching your car, and consider them to be a threat.
* Park in well-lit, visible areas.