Despite efforts in Trenton by lawmakers to pass laws to protect New Jerseyans from carjacking and car thefts, the bottom line is only you can protect yourself from being carjacked by lowering your chances of being the next statistic in the state.
Carjacking is a serious crime that can happen to anyone, anywhere. Though the chances of getting carjacked are relatively low, it’s still important to know how to avoid it.
There are a few things you can do to lower your risk of getting carjacked. First, be aware of your surroundings and try to park in well-lit areas. Second, don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car. This includes things like GPS devices, purses, and laptops.
Third, if you think someone is following you, drive to a police station or other safe place. And finally, trust your gut – if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. By following these simple tips, you can help keep yourself safe from carjackers.
Republicans in New Jersey have blamed the Democrat party for a rise in car thefts and carjacking citing relaxed criminal prosecution and criminal justice reform. Laws are already on the books to punish carjackers, but progressive and liberal prosecutors statewide, until recently, had been under the direction of the Attorney General’s Office to use reformatory tools against offenders instead of punitive tools like incarceration and monetary fines.
Be aware of your surroundings.
- Carjackings are on the rise in many parts of the country. Here are some tips to avoid becoming a victim:
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you see suspicious people or activity, move to a different area.
- Don’t stop in isolated areas. If you need to stop for any reason, try to find a well-lit, public place.
- Don’t leave your car running while you’re away from it. This is an invitation for thieves.
- Keep your doors locked and your windows up at all times.
- If someone tries to carjack you, don’t resist. Give them what they want and get yourself to safety as quickly as possible.
Don’t stop in empty or poorly lit areas
When you’re looking for a place to park, don’t stop in empty or poorly lit areas. If you can, park in a well-lit area near other people. When you get to your car, have your key ready so you can get in quickly.
If you think someone might be following you, go to a busy, well-lit area and ask for help. Don’t stop until you’re in a safe place.
Be cautious when approached by strangers
When you’re out in public, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. If you’re approached by a stranger, be cautious and don’t put yourself in a vulnerable position.
If someone asks for directions or tries to engage you in conversation, be wary. Keep your distance and don’t give out any personal information. If they continue to approach you after you’ve made it clear that you’re not interested, move to a different area or get away from the situation entirely.
In general, trust your instincts. If something feels off about a person or the situation, it’s best to err on the side of caution. If you think you’re being followed or are otherwise in danger, call 911 immediately.
Trust your instincts
When you’re driving, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you feel like something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Here are some tips to avoid getting carjacked:
-Be aware of who is around you and what they are doing. If you see someone loitering near your car or acting suspiciously, be on alert.
-Lock your doors and roll up your windows when you’re driving, even if you’re just going a short distance.
-If someone tries to carjack you, don’t resist. Give them what they want and get yourself to safety as soon as possible.
What to do if you are carjacked
If you are carjacked, the best thing to do is to stay calm and follow the instructions of the person who has taken your car. If they tell you to get out of the car, do so quickly and without argument. Once you are out of the car, move away from it and call the police. Try to give them as much information about the incident as possible, including a description of the carjacker and their vehicle.
There is no surefire way to avoid getting carjacked, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Always be aware of your surroundings and be cautious when parking in unfamiliar or isolated areas. When possible, park in well-lit areas with high foot traffic. Keep your doors locked and windows up while driving, and don’t stop to pick up hitchhikers. If you are carjacked, stay calm and comply with the assailant’s demands. Remember that your safety is more important than your vehicle or possessions.