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Tuesday, November 4, 1997

Sheriff warns of carjacking dangers

Carjacking is a crime that's occurring with alarming frequency, says Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway. "It can happen on your way to the grocery store or on your way home from work," he said. "No one is exempt from this crime that is sweeping the nation and creating fear."

Recently released statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau indicate that about 35,000 carjackings or other auto-related abductions occur in the U.S. annually. Nearly 75 percent of all carjackings involve the use of a gun or other deadly weapon.

"Carjacking has become a very common crime," Sheriff Hathaway said. "People tend to feel safe in their cars because they are in comfortable, familiar surroundings. I'm not trying to make people frightened to drive their cars, but they need to take precautions, particularly women 35 years old and younger."

Nearly half of all carjackings occur while the driver is waiting at a traffic signal or stop sign. Other common places for these incidents are parking lots and parking garages. It is difficult to determine how many of these crimes could have been prevented, but Sheriff Hathaway has some suggestions that will reduce drivers' chances of being carjacked.

• A cellular telephone is an excellent "safety equipment" investment. Most cellular companies do not charge customers for calls made to emergency numbers such as law enforcement agencies and 9-1-1.
• If it can be avoided, do not travel alone after dark. The majority of carjackings occur between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
• Always keep car doors locked ... day and night.
• Park in well-lighted areas that are within sight and shouting distance of others. Always try to park near an entrance, particularly if leaving the car for an extended period.
• When in a vulnerable situation, carry a loud warning device or pepper spray.
• If bumped or hailed by another vehicle, drive to a populated area, such as a gasoline station, before stopping. Bumping and hailing are common techniques used by carjackers to get drivers to stop in unpopulated and unsafe areas.
• When traveling in unfamiliar areas, map out a route prior to leaving. Stay on major thoroughfares and avoid side streets.
• Check under the car and the back seat before getting in the car.
• If a breakdown occurs, wait in the car for a law enforcement officer. If available, use a cellular telephone to call for help. When help arrives, ask for proper identification before getting out of the vehicle. Never accept help from anyone in an unmarked car.
• When stopping at a traffic light, leave adequate space between cars to maneuver out of a dangerous situation.
• Always travel in the middle lane of a multi-lane road.
• When parking, keep the motor running while checking surroundings and the route to be used to reach the destination.
• Use the garage at home, if available, and always lock doors upon exiting.

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