HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF CARNAPPING

No person want  to become a victim of a crime, becoming the victim of a crime may be avoided or the effects mitigated. Below are some avoidance tips that you may consider.

Consider varying your daily routines and habits. Do not take the same routes or go at the same time on your regular errands. This will avoid establishing a pattern that criminals may notice.
Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition in order to avoid vehicle breakdowns in potentially dangerous circumstances.

Know the areas you travel through and take note of potential safe havens such as police stations, gasoline station, etc. so that in case of vehicle trouble, you have the option of trying to reach these areas if circumstances permit.

Avoid traveling during unholy hours of the night. If such is unavoidable (e.g. coming home from a party or a night out with friends), avoid traveling alone through areas likely to be favored by criminal elements such as those mentioned above.

Avoid hitch hikers, especially when you are driving alone.
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Constantly check your rear and side view mirrors, Note any suspicious looking vehicles that may be following you. Be wary of unmarked vehicles with flashers/sirens, without plate numbers/vanity plates or using unauthorized commemorative plates, carrying many passengers (predominantly male) and are more often that not, heavily tinted. Take note that the authorities normally travel in marked cars of with readily recognizable red government plates. Police and other law enforcement/military personnel in or out of uniforms are also required to have credentials such as ID’s and appropriate badges with them.

If you suspect surveillance, try taking a few turns to see if the suspected vehicle follows you constantly, be prepared to take evasive action and proceed to the nearest identified safe haven if possible.

Keep a means of emergency communications (e.g. mobile phone, handheld radio) handy for use in case of emergencies. Keep your colleagues/families/trusted friends aware of your whereabouts.
In the event that you get caught by suspected carjackers:
Stop the vehicle and remain calm. If they present themselves as persons in authority, politely ask for credentials such as cards/badges.

Do not alight from the vehicle immediately. However, if perpetrators ask you to alight, follow their instructions. Leave the door open as you get off. Put your hands up if requested to do so.
Apply the handbrake but keep the engine running.

Avoid looking directly at the perpetrators, be compliant with their demands. Your life is more valuable than any material possessions.
Allow the carjackers to depart without interference.

Take note of any details(e.g. license plates, distinguishable marks or features of the carjackers, etc) you can gather without unduly arousing their suspicions that you are gathering information for future investigations.

Report the incident as soon as possible to the authorities. Cooperate to the fullest extent possible during investigations.
The following mitigation measures may also be considered:
Consider getting comprehensive insurance for your vehicle if such has not yet been done. New vehicles are routinely insured as such and it may be a good idea to continue this comprehensive insurance for a period of time as recommended by your insurance provider or auto dealer. Ensure that such insurance covers theft of your vehicle and other accessories thereof.

Keep a note of articles which you commonly place in your vehicle. It may also be useful to take a picture of your vehicle from various angles to assist in description to authorities in case of a car napping/carjacking.

It may be prudent to avoid leaving the original paperwork (e.g. registration, insurance cover) inside your vehicle. This may make it easier for criminals to sell your vehicle to unsuspecting buyers. Have photocopies of such paperwork made and place them in your vehicle for use in case legitimate authorities wish to verify them (e.g. at checkpoints).

Consider having the vehicle plate number and other identifying marks/numbers etched/engraved on strategic areas (e.g. windshield, window glass, chassis ) in order to make it harder for criminals to sell and to facilitate identification in case it is recovered by the authorities.

Post-vehicle recovery recommendations:
In the event that your vehicle is recovered by the authorities, this will be communicated to you.

Bring appropriate identification and proof of ownership (e.g. registration papers, driver’s license, deed of sale) when claiming your recovered vehicle.

Ensure that the authorities have removed your vehicle from the so-called “All Points Bulletin” (APB) prior to using it. This is to avoid possible misencounters with anti-carnapping elements.
Before buying a vehicle, whether brand new or 2nd hand, please make sure that you are buying the same from a reputable car dealer or a car owner.

Particularly on 2nd hand vehicles, obtain clearance from the proper authorities before buying the same just to make sure that what you are buying is not a ‘hot car’.

Always park your car in well-lit places, away from walls and hedges where crooks may lie in wait.

Have your keys ready even as you approach your car. If you pause to look for your keys, you leave yourself vulnerable to an attack.
Take note of suspicious looking people or cars near your vehicle.
Before getting into your vehicle, check for possible intruders hiding behind.

In case of a vehicle breakdown or any emergency, have a cellphone ready.

Avoid parking in unsecured places. If you have no garage, it may be advisable to pay in a pay parking area rather than in an unattended street parking slot.

You are vulnerable to attack if you stay behind, inside your vehicle, waiting for any companions. As a deterrent, leave your vehicle when parked and stay in a safe area.

Lastly, secure your vehicle before leaving the same. Do not leave any valuables inside as these will easily attract attention. This won’t guarantee you in being 100% safe in different crimes but can strongly minimize the probability of you becoming the next target of bad persons.