04/14/21 Carjacking Preventions Tips

By Bruce Dayno, Chief of Police

Carjackings in the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs are on the rise. Carjackings differ from the auto thefts we have been experiencing in the area. Auto thefts do not involve the threat of force.  They usually occur when thieves find unlocked and unattended cars on the street or in driveways with the keys or key fobs inside.

Carjackings are much more serious.  Occupied cars are taken from drivers by force or by the threat of force, usually at gunpoint or knifepoint.

Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these tips to help prevent becoming a victim and on what to do should you become a victim:

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked and/or running – always secure your vehicle, lock it and take the keys with you.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• As you approach your parked vehicle, have your keys in your hand.
• Always park in well-lighted areas.
• When stopping in traffic, always keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. If you have to make a quick getaway you will be able to turn your wheel and move without being boxed in.
• Be suspicious of people approaching your car, asking for directions, handing out flyers or trying to sell items in a parking lot.
• If a suspicious person approaches your car, drive away carefully.
• Be cautious If another driver “bumps” your car.  This may be a tactic carjackers use to get people out of their car.  If you are suspicious, keep your doors locked and windows up. Drive to the nearest police, or a well-lighted, populated area.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using drive-up ATM machines.
• If you suspect someone is following you, don’t go home. Drive to the nearest police station or a well-lighted, populated area for help.
• If you are threatened by carjackers, let them have your car.  No vehicle is worth your life.
• Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
• Don’t reach for your purse or briefcase. Leave everything behind if forced from the car.
• When you are safe, call 911.  Provide your license plate and car description. If you don’t know your license plate number, you should learn it.
• Try to remember what the suspects looked like, what they were wearing, and what they were armed with. If some suspects leave in another car, try to get that description and license plate.

There are a lot of tips here.  If you don’t remember anything else, remember not to resist and give them your car.  It’s probably insured, and it’s not worth your life.