Hope this isn't too repetitious, but following the recent postings on this topic, I dug through my files and found the notes made for the expat execs for whom I was responsible by our international security consultants some 3-4 years ago. Each manager had to attend a security workshop as part of job posting orientation. Part of this workshop was devoted to car-jacking. I reproduce the notes verbatim, though perhaps by UK standards some of the points seem a bit extreme. Bear in mind they were for highly visible senior Caucasians in a LDC (Less-develo.ped-country) environment. The term for all this in the trade is "target hardening".
Anyway it may be of general interest, it never hurts to review one's personal security habits.
QUOTE:
First, some Carjacking facts:
Carjackings take place very quickly. Most take only 15 to 20 seconds to complete.
Carjackings can be violent. Drivers have been beaten and even murdered while being pulled out of their car.
Carjackers are usually armed. Either with a gun or knife.
Carjackings are generally either (a) opportunist, by drug users, or (b) planned, by steal-to-order gangs. The former are generally more dangerous and likely to inflict physical violence. They will likely want your money and valuables and be prepared to harm you to get them. More occasionally kidnapping may be involved too.
Carjackings may first involve a minor traffic accident. The victim's car is "bumped" at a stop sign, red light, or freeway off ramp. When the victim gets out of the car to check the damage the suspect pulls a weapon and takes the car.
Other carjackings occur at stop signs or lights - the suspect may approach you and pull a weapon on you ordering you out of the car; or as you are pulling into or out of a parking space - a second vehicle may block your path with a passenger from the suspect's vehicle getting out and pulling you out of your car; or as you are entering or exiting your car - the suspect may be standing close by, in a parked car, or hiding by other parked cars, buildings, etc.
Be very wary of trying to outrun potential carjackers in your vehicle. A resulting accident may kill you or someone else; you could end up in jail while the carjackers go free. Cars are replaceable, you aren't.
Be especially careful parking at an ATM machine. Don't leave the engine running and the keys in the car. Watch for people "hovering". If not after your car, they could be after your wallet. Some banks have armed guards posted at night, but this does not mean it is 100% safe to use the ATM.
Safety Tips:
BE AWARE. This is very important! Giving the appearance of not paying attention and not being alert is what suspects look for in a victim.
Look around and get a BIG PICTURE of your surroundings. Always walk confidently and positively. Don't dawdle or amble uncertainly. Work out the walk route you will take BEFORE you leave the car. Make use of open space if possible, even if that takes longer.
At times you may want to be a little suspicious of a person or persons, ask yourself why is this person where they are? Some victims have seen the suspect but the victim thought the person looked "innocent," "he was just standing around," etc. Slight paranoia does no harm here!
Keep your house keys and car keys on separate key chains.
When going to your car have your keys out and ready; look around for anyone "hanging" around your car or your path to your car. Be ready to walk past your car if necessary without acknowledging it's yours, until you have satisfied yourself the "hanger" is not suspicious. Don't "blip" the alarm off until you're ready to open the door. Too early and you'll draw attention to your particular vehicle.
Don't hesitate to run back to where you came from to get help.
LOOK AROUND one last time just before exiting your car. When you pull into a parking area look around for anyone "hanging" around, or someone who seems to "pace" their walk to arrive at your parking place as you are exiting your car. If you see someone like this move to another parking area or leave the area.
If you do not see anyone around then park your car, and try to avoid parking next to large vehicles such as vans.
BUT, by the time you are ready to exit your car several seconds have passed - there could now be someone in the area - SO, TAKE ONE LAST LOOK AROUND before exiting your car, keeping your car keys handy in case you need to get back in quickly.
By keeping your keys in your hand you can quickly get back into your car if someone suddenly appears and approaches you....GET BACK IN THE CAR - HONK THE HORN - START THE CAR - AND START THE CAR MOVING OUT OF THERE!
FILL UP AT FULL SERVICE GAS STATIONS rather than self-serve wherever possible. Pay by specific amount, e.g. 500 pesos worth, rather than have to wait for change.
DRIVING ALONE is more risky. Take someone with you, especially at night.
NEVER DRIVE ALONE WITH A CHILD in the car in these situations. Worse, never leave a child in the car, e.g. at an ATM machine, gas station.
In a minor "fender bender" type accident, if the location is secluded, instead of getting out immediately, you may want to drive to an open business, Police Station, Fire Station, etc. for your safety. Motion the other driver to follow you; you do not want to give the other driver the idea you are running away from an accident, even though the other driver caused the accident.
Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up.
Keep packages, purse, etc. on the floor rather than on the seat where they are easier to see.
If you have car trouble keep your doors locked and windows up. If someone stops to help stay in the car and ask them to call the police or a service station which you have the phone number to and are aware the station stays open 24 hours. It's a hard call whether to abandon or stay with the car, generally if you have a number to call for help, or the area is not populated, better to stay.
Ignore cars pulling alongside where the occupants are trying to draw your attention to something, e.g. trying to kid you you have a soft tire or something is wrong with your vehicle. They may be trying to get you to stop and take a look. Drive in the center or outside lane rather than the inner one wherever possible.
Watch for vehicles with blacked out windows/no license plates which appear to keep pace with you or pull in front of you. Leave yourself space around you on the road, difficult as that may be in congested streets.
Head for a lighted or crowded area, such as a gas station, bus terminal, shopping mall, pull in and stop, if you think you are being tailed/observed.
Let the suspect vehicles go well out of sight, then continue, or better still double back. Be on the lookout however for a "stooge" vehicle which may still be observing you. Professional carjackers will have two-way radios. If you have the time, stop frequently in these places, and see whether other vehicles appear to be responding to your move, i.e. could be following you.
If you ply a regular route to and from work, school, the gym, shops etc, vary your time and route wherever/whenever you can. Carpool with other parents for the school run on random days. Choose two way window glass tint for your car when the dealer asks what kind you want, i.e. the one where you can see out easily but it's hard for those outside to see in.
Don't buy a car or SUV-type van of a model or with a color which may be used predominantly by taxis or minibuses, e.g. white Corolla.
Don't buy things from ambulant vendors at traffic lights, e.g. newspapers.
Rolling down your window while stopped may be risky.
Don't carry any kind of weapon or attempt to defend yourself with something if threatened. Your attackers will be better armed than you and a lot more adept.
While you're fumbling in your purse for your mace or pepper spray your assailant will have wised up and hit you first.
If you are waved down by a traffic enforcer at night be very careful. Does he have a motorcycle or is he on foot? If the latter, better to run and risk a citation thru the mail than be held up by a fake enforcer or bogus cop. Are there others behind him in shadow? If he has a m/cycle, does it have license plates? Ask to see his ID before you hand over your license and registration. Remember you do not have to pay the fine on the spot, you can settle it at the LTO next day.
If all else fails and you are threatened with no way out, get slowly out of the car, hands visible, and comply with what the carjackers want. Try to be courteous and assertive but not offensive. Move slowly and carefully, hand over your keys and let 'em get out of there.
PRACTICE: Take a run with a couple of friends over a typical route and point out potential hold-up points, escape routes, safe stopping areas. Identify lights and intersections where there might be risk, discuss what you would do if threatened. Try to have a rough plan in mind whenever you go out.
STAY VIGILANT: The hardest part, familiarity breeds contempt etc.
UNQUOTE
As I have previously mentioned, the best security is always avoidance: that's avoiding getting in a potential "situation" in the first place. Second best is correct behaviour when in that situation.
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