Anti-Carnapping Tips, Anti-Hijacking Tips, And Anti-Highway Robbery Tips

Nowadays, motor vehicle crimes in Florida involving the hijacking of cars and highway robbery are becoming rampant and distressful. Theft or attempted theft of automobiles based on FBI 2020 reports that $7.4 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft alone.

Across the nation, a total of 810,400 vehicles were stolen (2020)41,119 UCR motor vehicle theft offenses (Florida,2018)8,301 arrests for motor vehicle theft in Florida

Carnapping, hijacking, and highway robbery are some of the types of motor vehicle crimes that a vehicle owner or driver should know about. It is important to understand more about these crimes to help prevent and protect drivers from these crimes to happen. Here we share some tips on how you can defend and prevent yourself and your car from being carnapped, hijacked and highway robbed in Cape Coral, Florida.

CARNAPPING

Carnapping or auto theft involves taking a vehicle without the presence of the owner or driver. It can happen anywhere, whether in parking lots, gasoline stations or even in your driveway parking. This motor vehicle crime may put the lives of the driver and its passengers in danger, so prevention is essential to avert it from happening.

ANTI-CARNAPPING TIPS

WHEN IN PARKING LOTS OR PUBLIC GARAGES

Across the nation, a total of 810,400 vehicles were stolen (2020)Make sure the vehicle is locked and the keys are removedLeave the vehicle in a high-traffic location with open lightsBefore looking for a parking spot, first, check the safety of the area Handover your car keys to the management for safekeeping whenever you leave your vehicle to shop for repair or other needs

WHEN AT HOME OR DRIVEWAY PARKING

Never forget to close the doors and windows before leaving the vehicleDo a last-minute night check (around 9 pm)Never forget to check and lock garage gates at all times

WHEN IN GASOLINE STATIONS

Always watch over the vehicle if buying for stopsMake sure to close windows and doors when exiting the vehicleRemove the keys whenever leaving the vehicleNever give your car keys to strangers for safekeeping

THINGS TO AVOID BEING TARGETED BY A CAR THIEF:

A car with open windows and unlocked doorsA car with forgotten keys or spare key openly insightA car with nobody looking overA car parked vulnerably like having poor lights with low visibilityA car with exposed valuables and items insideA car without protection like anti-theft devices and systems

TARGET ITEMS OF A CAR THIEF:

Vehicle Parts: Radios and wheel covers doors, engines, transmissions, airbags, radios, GPS unitsOther items: Purses, laptops, cell phones, iPods, and GPS units

PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE

Investing in anti-vehicle theft systems and devices can protect the vehicle from thievery, easier to trace and recover. Below are some devices that can help protect and keep a safer vehicle:

1. VISIBLE AND AUDIBLE DEVICES

Alarms: HornLocks: Brake /Wheel/ Brake Pedal Lock/ Gearshift ColumnSteering Column CollarsSteering WheelsTheft Deterrent DecalsFlashing LightsWindow EtchingMicro Dot Markings

2. AUTO IMMOBILIZER

Disablers: Fuel/Starter/IgnitionIgnition/Wireless Authentication DevicesSmart KeysFuse Cut-offsKill switches

3. TRACKING SYSTEMS

Tracking Devices: Active and Passive

HIJACKING

Hijacking or also known as carjacking is another type of motor vehicle crime where the robber takes directly or forcibly the vehicle from the driver of the car or the owner. A threat of violence is used to steal the vehicle from the driver including the driver and its occupant’s valuables and other items. Hijacking has been considered a more serious offense than auto theft because of it’s of violence or force that accompanies the crime.

ANTI-HIJACKING TIPS

Before opening the door of your car, check to make sure nobody is hiding inside the carWhen carrying valuables, hide them out of sight like in your trunkAlways be on alert and ready all the time with your cell phone or other communication devices, if an emergency arisesBefore getting out of the vehicle, always check and close the windowsDo not stop and help out parked vehicles asking for assistance. Find a telephone and call for aid.If waiting for some time while parking, do not stay inside the vehicle. Wait from a distance with keeping the vehicle in sight.Talk to security personnel if you notice suspicious-looking persons or not so normal behaviors of peopleIf you feel you are being followed or stalked by suspicious-looking people or vehicles, drive towards a crowded areaBefore hiring a new driver for your car, always do a background check firstIf you plan to sell your car, do some research about the buyer before letting them have a test run of the vehicleIf you are in a position that you are forced to stop your vehicle, lock your doors and windows and sound off the horn for helpIf you noticed you are followed or harassed by another vehicle, drive to a police precinct, fire station, or public place with people and ask for help. Do not go to your house, to an empty lot, or a deserted area

HIGHWAY ROBBERY

These days, highway robbery is becoming a vehicle crime trend for most Floridian drivers. It involves a highway robber stopping the vehicle in the middle of the road and robbing the driver, including the passengers of their valuables and other things.

ANTI-HIJACKING TIPS

Avoid hitchhikersIf making stops in an intersection, keep the car in gear positionAvoid less traveled streets and dark alleys at night timeInvest in alarm and safety devices such as steering locks and sensorsKeep valuables out of sight inside the vehicleInstall a vehicle camera with settings in recorded mode, both at the back and frontAlways keep all doors and windows closed and locked

CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA’S FASTEST AND MOST RELIABLE TOWING SERVICES

Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc. knows the value of the safety and protection of their customers. Driving on the road can be risky if someone is not careful, vigilant, and has no means of protection against motor vehicle criminals or robbers.

With more than 25 years of experience Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc. have been providing premium quality and affordable towing services in Cape Coral, Florida, and the surrounding in Southwest Florida. Our team of technicians provides speedy roadside assistance and the most reliable towing services for broken down or accidents to a car, motorcycle, or any type of motor vehicle.

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Discover and learn more about how to protect against motor vehicle crimes with Cape Coral Towing and Recovery, Inc. at 239-458-3333 or message us online for service requests today!