Carjacking

Being inside your car is not always a deterrent if someone wants to steal it. From the start to the finish of your journey, especially in traffic, keep your doors locked and windows up. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when driving in built up areas and when entering and alighting from your vehicle. Remember preventing crime is better than being a victim of one.

Here are some general points and helpful advice to keep you safe

• Always keep on the main N roads and be aware that your Satnav may take you on a short cut which might take you into trouble areas, such as high crime neighbourhoods, isolated roads and desolate areas of parking lots. City centres and traffic systems can be confusing so take time to plan your journey.
• Make sure if you are on a long journey that you research your driving rest break and do not stop at isolated locations.
• Never sit in your car with the doors unlocked or the windows rolled down. If you are going to take your break in your car make sure the doors and windows are secure.
• Always have enough cash for your journey and don’t put yourself in unnecessary risk by using ATMs, as you might put both you, your bank accounts and your car in danger.
• When parking stick to well-lit areas and make sure if in a built up area that you know where exactly your car is located on the street. If you get lost you might put yourself at risk (maybe pin drop on your mobile phone app where your car has been parked). Park in secure, highly trafficked and well-lit areas.
• Throughout your journey make sure your doors and windows are locked. Consider your safety when stopping at; robots in heavy traffic, petrol garages, food/refreshment breaks and other road hazards. Consider when in traffic leaving enough space (two cars length) in front of your vehicle to enable you to get out of a tight spot.
• Lock your vehicle, especially when filling up at a petrol station. Even if you have locked your vehicle, check you haven’t left any windows or the sunroof open and keep your valuables such as hand bags, mobiles secure and out of sight as these will attract opportunist thieves.
• Have your mobile phone handy and fully charged. It is very important to be able to communicate if you have a problem during your journey. For assisting in a security issue, breakdown and for map location services a mobile phone is key to keeping the driver safe.

Carjackers use a number of methods, including bumping your car to cause a fake accident, pretending to be stranded motorists, or flashing their lights to fool you into thinking something is wrong with your car.

In each of these scenarios always try to take time to access the situation and wait to pull over and keep your car locked until you are happy and feel safe.

• Always be aware of your surroundings and only open your window partially to speak with them.
• If you feel threatened; stay inside your locked vehicle and if necessary drive to a place of safety such as the nearest police station, fire station or highly populated area. If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police.
• You can use your mobile phone to assist with calling for assistance from inside your car by giving your location and using your phone camera to record the incident. This may assist in deterring the criminals.
• Have your vehicle identification number VIN and licence plate number recorded on your phone or keep it with your driving licence. In case of carjacking, both the police and insurance company will require this information.
• MOST IMPORTANTLY DON’T TRY TO BE A HERO. Your safety is far more important than a car. If you are not able to prevent the criminal and you are threatened with either words or weapons, give your keys to the aggressor but never willingly get into the car with a carjacker.

We are constantly updating the security information we make available. If the information you require isn’t in this section and you would like to ask an expert directly, you can make a Security Expert Booking 7 days a week. If you have a security emergency and require immediate assistance please call the local emergency services before contacting our security team.