Tips Against Carjacking

[WeaponX]

Share ko lang. I got this from my mailbox today.

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CARJACKING: PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

SITUATION

There are reports of renewed increases in the incidence of carjacking in some areas
of Metro Manila. Carjacking involves the forcible takeover/theft of a vehicle while
someone is aboard, usually in transit. This is different from carnapping wherein the
vehicle is taken while it is stationary and there is no one aboard it.

MODUS OPERANDI

A favored modus operandi of carjackers is to pretend to be persons in authority (e.g.
police, military, NBI, intelligence services) and accost unwary motorists before
divesting them of their vehicle, cash and other valuables. Carjackers using this
method often ride in new model vehicles (more often than not without plate numbers
or using unauthorized commemorative plates) complete with sirens/flashers,
firearms and perhaps even official looking uniforms/identification and similar
paraphernalia. Another modus operandi is the pretext of bumping into your vehicle
and perpetrating the crime as you alight and check the damage. Other carjackers
use multiple vehicles, sandwich you between them and force you of the road.

Carjackers typically target motorists traveling alone late at night (e.g. 11 p.m. up to
around 3 a.m.) along roads that are either deserted or have little
vehicular/pedestrian traffic.

Fast, new model cars are typically targeted since carjackers either sell them on the
black market or use them as get away vehicles to perpetrate other crimes such as
bank robberies.


AREAS OF CONCERN

There are several identified areas of concern in Metro Manila where carjacking
incidents often happen:

• Quezon Avenue underpass which crosses EDSA
• Tomas Morato and West Triangle area in Quezon City
• Teachers Village, Quezon City
• Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City
• some stretches of EDSA in Quezon City
• Katipunan Flyover coming from Libis, Quezon City

Kindly note that although most incidents have been noted to occur in Quezon City,
carjacking can happen anywhere.

RECOMMENDATIONS

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 stations, 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.

• 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 than not,
heavily tinted. Take note that the authorities normally travel in marked cars or
with readily recognizable red government plates. Police and other law
enforcement/military personnel in or out of uniform 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. If warranted, contact
the authorities.

• 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 identification 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 of. 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 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 and SSU.
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 carnapping/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 “Al
Points Bulletin” (APB) prior to using it. This is to avoid possible mis-encounters
with anti-carnapping elements.


USEFUL CONTACTS

For Life-Threatening Emergencies Only
Dial 1-1-7 or TEXT-SMS PATROL EYE or SMS: Type PNP <your message> then
send to 2920

For Highway Robbery & Other Motor Vehicle related crimes
Dial (632) 722-4068 / (632) 725-1133 local 4359 PNP Task Force Limbas/ Anti-
Carnapping

For Complaints Referrals Action Center
Dial (632) 722-0650 local 3453/3473

For Non-Emergency Police Response
Dial (632) 722-0650 4252 PNP Police Community Relations Group

For Organized Crime & Kidnapping with Ransom
Dial (632) 725-2147 Local 4371 PACER

For Most Wanted / Missing or Unidentified Person
Dial (632) 726-1575 Criminal Investigation & Detection Group

For Motor Vehicle Related Transactions
Dial (632) 724-8869 Traffic Management Group

For Police Services Complaints or Complaints about a Police Officer
Dial (632) 899-7504 Internal Affairs Service