30mag
Member
What are some strategies that can be employed to defeat carjackings?
Carjacking?
- Thread starter 30mag
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That's a fairly general question, but I'll take a shot at it...
- Don't drive a target. A 2010 Cadillac Escalade is a much more likely candidate for a carjacking than a 2001 Ford Ranger.
- Practice good situational awareness when approaching your vehicle. Anything that looks out of place probably is.
- Pepper spray on the key chain isn't a bad idea, since you'll already have your keys in your hands anyway.
- If you have an encounter while approaching your vehicle and you need to run, do not run for your car. Head for the nearest populated area, preferably somewhere with an official security or police presence (i.e., back inside the store), and get help.
- Once you get into your car, the first thing you should always do is lock your doors.
- Keep the doors locked at all times while driving, and don't roll your windows down more than about halfway. If someone can reach in and grab you, your windows are down too far.
- Any time you're stopped (at a light, stop sign, whatever), leave enough room between you and the car in front of you that you can drive around them if necessary.
- When stopped, keep an eye on your rearview mirrors. Pedestrians are suspect, especially if they're walking in the road, and doubly so if they're anywhere near your vehicle.
- If you CCW in your car, practice your draw stroke (unloaded!) in your vehicle. You may find that you need an alternative carry method when driving.
- If someone totally gets the drop on you, and you feel that you can safely surrender the vehicle, do it. It's insured, and it's not worth getting shot over.
R
- Don't drive a target. A 2010 Cadillac Escalade is a much more likely candidate for a carjacking than a 2001 Ford Ranger.
- Practice good situational awareness when approaching your vehicle. Anything that looks out of place probably is.
- Pepper spray on the key chain isn't a bad idea, since you'll already have your keys in your hands anyway.
- If you have an encounter while approaching your vehicle and you need to run, do not run for your car. Head for the nearest populated area, preferably somewhere with an official security or police presence (i.e., back inside the store), and get help.
- Once you get into your car, the first thing you should always do is lock your doors.
- Keep the doors locked at all times while driving, and don't roll your windows down more than about halfway. If someone can reach in and grab you, your windows are down too far.
- Any time you're stopped (at a light, stop sign, whatever), leave enough room between you and the car in front of you that you can drive around them if necessary.
- When stopped, keep an eye on your rearview mirrors. Pedestrians are suspect, especially if they're walking in the road, and doubly so if they're anywhere near your vehicle.
- If you CCW in your car, practice your draw stroke (unloaded!) in your vehicle. You may find that you need an alternative carry method when driving.
- If someone totally gets the drop on you, and you feel that you can safely surrender the vehicle, do it. It's insured, and it's not worth getting shot over.
R
SGT R has adequately answered this question. Agree on all counts.
One point worth adding is that, in a car-jacking situation where you aren't in the car yet, do not get in the car if ordered to do so. This goes equally for men and women. Better to be shot than to get in the vehicle with the perp. Your odds of survival are an order of magnitude better (like, a gazillion percent) if you just run for it.
One point worth adding is that, in a car-jacking situation where you aren't in the car yet, do not get in the car if ordered to do so. This goes equally for men and women. Better to be shot than to get in the vehicle with the perp. Your odds of survival are an order of magnitude better (like, a gazillion percent) if you just run for it.
30mag
Member
Very good points.
I had thought about 'leaving enough room between the car in front of you' before. It's sort of a practical thing to do anyways, in case their car dies (for any reason).
I drive a stick, so that's a little surprise for anyone (who doesn't know how to drive a stick) that tries to steal my car.
I had thought about 'leaving enough room between the car in front of you' before. It's sort of a practical thing to do anyways, in case their car dies (for any reason).
I drive a stick, so that's a little surprise for anyone (who doesn't know how to drive a stick) that tries to steal my car.
I think Sgt_R has given a good list. I'll add two more items:
I'll also expand upon his second item (situational awareness):
- Get into your car very quickly and get going without delay.
- Do not park near the edges of parking lots if you can avoid it.
I'll also expand upon his second item (situational awareness):
- Be wary of a car or van with darkened windows that has parked next to your driver side since your arrival.
- Watch for shadows or feet under cars that indicate that someone is hiding on ththe other side.
highorder
Member
Remember that your foot is on the trigger of a 3000+lb weapon.
If your doors are locked, the windows are up, and you've left adequate space, JUST GO.
If your doors are locked, the windows are up, and you've left adequate space, JUST GO.
bigfatdave
Member
And don't be afraid to ding up another car or yours while pancaking a scumbag or evading one.
Every vehicle I own I set up cones in an empty lot and do some experimentation on stuff like:
-how tight turning radius is
-how close an object can be avoided or run over
-how things look in the mirrors when I go close but don't hit them
... mostly I do those things so I can be comfortable in tight parking situations, but I'm quite confident that I could remove anyone (who didn't have a gun in my ear yet) if the engine was running in my little Saturns (ION coupe and SL2)
Drive a high-powered, older, non-descript 4 door sedan with faded paint, with To-Go Cup lids and VFW Christmas Lapel-things on the dashboard top.
When first to a Light, always stop some ways short of the crosswalk...especially at Night.
Driver's Window always "Down", no matter what season, rain or shine, snow or sleet, elbow out, resting on the sill...Cigarette danlging in your mouth, and, have an easy going aura which somehow says "Ask me if I care?"
No one will ever bother you.
When first to a Light, always stop some ways short of the crosswalk...especially at Night.
Driver's Window always "Down", no matter what season, rain or shine, snow or sleet, elbow out, resting on the sill...Cigarette danlging in your mouth, and, have an easy going aura which somehow says "Ask me if I care?"
No one will ever bother you.
For a situation such of this I ask my self one question, "What would Rambo do?". We'll I would think that the unsuspecting carjacker would get the surprise of their life when an aging Silvester Stallone surprises said carjacker with a swift grab of the jugular or a possibly a rather large knife to the abdomen. But how could I forget of course EXPLODING Arrow Heads.
But anyway back to reality I have to agree with what Sgt R. had to say. In any defensive situation it is key to make as much space between you and your attacker.
But anyway back to reality I have to agree with what Sgt R. had to say. In any defensive situation it is key to make as much space between you and your attacker.
Rail Driver
Member
I like all the ideas already mentioned.
I have a '98 ford taurus with a (cosmetically only) smashed in rear driver side door. Definitely not a target vehicle in most situations.
I keep the doors locked at all times, though I have been known to forget to lock the passenger door from time to time (never when there's a gun left in the car).
I keep a folding boxcutter clipped to the passenger visor, it's stainless steel and is very visible. There are misc. tools in the front and back seats of the car, accessible to any passengers or drivers (screwdrivers, various wrenches, a hammer, a length of steel pipe, a tire iron, various knives, etc). If I'm in the car, there's a .40 caliber pistol in the glove box.
If the windows are down in the car they are rarely down all the way, usually just a 2" crack or so.
I have a '98 ford taurus with a (cosmetically only) smashed in rear driver side door. Definitely not a target vehicle in most situations.
I keep the doors locked at all times, though I have been known to forget to lock the passenger door from time to time (never when there's a gun left in the car).
I keep a folding boxcutter clipped to the passenger visor, it's stainless steel and is very visible. There are misc. tools in the front and back seats of the car, accessible to any passengers or drivers (screwdrivers, various wrenches, a hammer, a length of steel pipe, a tire iron, various knives, etc). If I'm in the car, there's a .40 caliber pistol in the glove box.
If the windows are down in the car they are rarely down all the way, usually just a 2" crack or so.
DickP
Member
"I drive a stick, so that's a little surprise for anyone (who doesn't know how to drive a stick) that tries to steal my car."
An acquaintance of mine was carjacked driving back from Houston a few years ago. He lost his wallet, but got to keep his car - the carjacker didn't know how to drive a stick...
An acquaintance of mine was carjacked driving back from Houston a few years ago. He lost his wallet, but got to keep his car - the carjacker didn't know how to drive a stick...
SSN Vet
Member
I have a foam cut out for my carry piece in the console of my car.
I can pop the console and arm myself fairly quickly, but not quick enough if someone has the drop on me.
I set it up for use on my daily commute, as I am not allowed to have a weapon in the work place, but it hasn't worked out as I hoped. Transition to holster carry when making stops on the way home doesn't happen naturally when I'm not wearing a holster.... and wearing or donning an empty holster at work is just asking for the wrong kind of attention.
Need to start keeping it in the car and tossing it in my empty lunch bag when I get home.
I'm one who adapts my CCW to my lifestyle and not the other way around.
I can pop the console and arm myself fairly quickly, but not quick enough if someone has the drop on me.
I set it up for use on my daily commute, as I am not allowed to have a weapon in the work place, but it hasn't worked out as I hoped. Transition to holster carry when making stops on the way home doesn't happen naturally when I'm not wearing a holster.... and wearing or donning an empty holster at work is just asking for the wrong kind of attention.
Need to start keeping it in the car and tossing it in my empty lunch bag when I get home.
I'm one who adapts my CCW to my lifestyle and not the other way around.
Cosmoline
Member
Good points above. I'd add as a general matter don't assume your car gives you any measure of safety. Unless it's bulletproof, the bullets are going to cut right through the doors and body. And since you're strapped in and cannot move you're an excellent target. Get out of there--now. Smash through other cars if you need to. Hammer it and run the red if you have to. I've known many many people who have walked away from accidents at 45 mph+, including myself. Not so many walk away from getting shot.
sidheshooter
Member
Not bad so far. I'd add that the first thing i always do when i get into the car is simultaneously start it with my right hand and power lock all the doors with my left hand; takes seconds. Next is immediately drop it into reverse; at this point, i can fiddle about with sorting stuff, fasten the seat belt, grab my shades, or whatever-with my foot on the brake. If something comes up to the door that i really don't like, a short pull down on the wheel and a hard stomp on the gas makes for a nasty surprise for anything within about 3 feet off the side of the car.
Aside from that, i hear Clint Smith's voice in my head: "Drive... Away."
Aside from that, i hear Clint Smith's voice in my head: "Drive... Away."
WardenWolf
member
1. Keep your doors locked.
2. Keep situational awareness when you're stopped. Keep an eye out for pedestrians. If one breaks off from the crosswalk or approaches from another angle, prepare yourself.
3. A carjacker generally will only go for a car in the pole position (front of the line). He wants to be able to drive off quickly, not be stuck in traffic where a good citizen might simply put their car in park and leave them stuck there. He also wants to be able to look inconspicuous so he can catch you by surprise.
4. Your vehicle can be a weapon. A sudden move can prevent a person from jumping in your vehicle, as well as incapacitate or kill the attacker.
5. If you must, you can cause a fender-bender with another vehicle. A carjacker isn't going to stick around when there are multiple people aware and involved. He's going to book it out of there.
2. Keep situational awareness when you're stopped. Keep an eye out for pedestrians. If one breaks off from the crosswalk or approaches from another angle, prepare yourself.
3. A carjacker generally will only go for a car in the pole position (front of the line). He wants to be able to drive off quickly, not be stuck in traffic where a good citizen might simply put their car in park and leave them stuck there. He also wants to be able to look inconspicuous so he can catch you by surprise.
4. Your vehicle can be a weapon. A sudden move can prevent a person from jumping in your vehicle, as well as incapacitate or kill the attacker.
5. If you must, you can cause a fender-bender with another vehicle. A carjacker isn't going to stick around when there are multiple people aware and involved. He's going to book it out of there.
sidheshooter
Member
Plus, taking cosmoline further, it's probably easier to say " I was in an accident fleeing from an attack" than "I was in a shootout in the walgreen parking lot".
Actually, my Car is an old P-71 Intercepter Crown Victoria, decomissioned from having been a County Sheriff's Car.
No one knows what to make of it.
All the low lifes around here, find it to be almost like a Magnetic force they can not get near...even though it is obvious I am not LEO.
I highly recommend the older P-71s for a Family Car.
Good Power, pretty good handling, well made, durable...and, they have the 'aura' which BGs instinctively find hard to get near to.
No one knows what to make of it.
All the low lifes around here, find it to be almost like a Magnetic force they can not get near...even though it is obvious I am not LEO.
I highly recommend the older P-71s for a Family Car.
Good Power, pretty good handling, well made, durable...and, they have the 'aura' which BGs instinctively find hard to get near to.
omegaflame
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This is the best idea ever.
Plan ahead for stoplights-if I see a red light before I get to it, I usually slow down and give it time to turn green before I arrive at the light.
Saves gas, saves brakes, and it's tough to carjack a moving target.
I've been through many an intersection without having to stop, and while I may have had to slow to 15 or 20 mph (which may seem like crawling in a car) while coasting to the light, yur average carjacker is going to be draggin' his tongue trying to keep up with you (and you can always just give it a little gas).
Saves gas, saves brakes, and it's tough to carjack a moving target.
I've been through many an intersection without having to stop, and while I may have had to slow to 15 or 20 mph (which may seem like crawling in a car) while coasting to the light, yur average carjacker is going to be draggin' his tongue trying to keep up with you (and you can always just give it a little gas).
HappyHunting
Member
There was a clip from about a month back in front of some PD where the woman and child(ren) walk to their car and they sit there for 45 seconds not moving... Then she winds up downrange of something like 4 .357 mag bullets, even though they first went through a human torso.
When you get to your car, don't just sit in it. That makes you a prime target. Women especially do this in my experience. Every time my girlfriend drives the first thing she does is play on her phone for at least 30 seconds and it makes my blood boil.
Just do what I do, and wait to call people until the wheels are turning. Right?
When you get to your car, don't just sit in it. That makes you a prime target. Women especially do this in my experience. Every time my girlfriend drives the first thing she does is play on her phone for at least 30 seconds and it makes my blood boil.
Just do what I do, and wait to call people until the wheels are turning. Right?
I'll add to the list.
If your on the phone while driving, or at an intersection use a bluetooth or speakerphone function. Having a phone glued to the side of your head reduces peripheral vision on the side your holding the phone. It also reduces how well you can turn your head and look around when stopped.
When I was younger I think I was almost robbed at a drive-thru ATM. I was on the phone gabbing, paying more attention to the conversation and my transaction than the guy who was walking up to the driverside of my car from the hotel beside the bank. He got to my rear bumper when I noticed him and spun around in my seat to get a better look at him. As soon as he saw me he took a B-line for the opposite side of my car and continued on his way through the parking lot.
Since then I either keep my carry gun in an extra holster (cheap Uncle Mike's) stuck between the console and the seat or a car gun carried in the same fashion so that I don't have to swap the gun between the holsters when coming and going from the car.
Your best tactics to prevent a carjcking are basically the same that keep you from getting shot. Distance, movement and awareness.
If your on the phone while driving, or at an intersection use a bluetooth or speakerphone function. Having a phone glued to the side of your head reduces peripheral vision on the side your holding the phone. It also reduces how well you can turn your head and look around when stopped.
When I was younger I think I was almost robbed at a drive-thru ATM. I was on the phone gabbing, paying more attention to the conversation and my transaction than the guy who was walking up to the driverside of my car from the hotel beside the bank. He got to my rear bumper when I noticed him and spun around in my seat to get a better look at him. As soon as he saw me he took a B-line for the opposite side of my car and continued on his way through the parking lot.
Since then I either keep my carry gun in an extra holster (cheap Uncle Mike's) stuck between the console and the seat or a car gun carried in the same fashion so that I don't have to swap the gun between the holsters when coming and going from the car.
Your best tactics to prevent a carjcking are basically the same that keep you from getting shot. Distance, movement and awareness.
justashooter in pa
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carjackers that heist in the daytime often use bait to get you to stop. the classic bait is an attractive young woman in less clothing than is appropriate for the weather. not hooker clothes, but attractive clothes. watch out for attractive women that start conversations with you without good reason, whether you're driving, or not.
CHEVELLE427
Member
I HAVE found that while driving and my gun is holstered i can not retrieve it with the seatbelt on.
some carjackers will just walk up and throw a brick into the window, while your in shock and glass is flying all around it would be harder to pull your weapon or even retrieve it from the center console.
for this reason i keep a xdsc40 in the console or it will be under my left leg as i drive.
if I'm pulled out of the truck at least my side arm will come out with me as it is still on my side
. xd45acpand at this time i could attempt to neutralize the situation
i went to an ATM at night when i first got my ccwp it was a walk up type, had a car pull into the lot and park, 3 blk guys in the car none got out, i was thinking they were just waiting to go to the ATM but when i was walking back to my truck they drove away. i feel i was being sized up to see if i was an easy target.
plus side is i NOTICED the unusual activities and had the CCW on me, i also think my size also helped to change there mind as well. may not off been nothing but did make you start think more of what is around you.
ALSO WHAT GUN GUY SAID,
the average carjacker wont have a clue how to shift the chevelle if that was the car at the time that was being jacked, MOST have never seen a vintage V-GATE shifter and that will be a delay for them and give me time to end this mistake they had just made.....
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6-gunfun
Member
i drive a target vehicle not the most expensive but its tricked out. something that i always make sure i have is a knife. i mean bringing a knife to a gunfight ya ya i kno but still if you dont have a ccw or open carry. a nice little buck knife that you can pull fast is enough to ruin any carjackers day.
That reminds me of a story a coworker told me. His brother was leaving a Best Buy in Atlanta when a guy runs up to his moving car asking him to call 911 because his friend was in a hit and run in the parking lot. My co-workers brother pulls out his phone and is about to call 911 when the guy grabs the phone and runs away through the parking lot.
Sad when you have to question helping others as it can be an opportunity for a criminal to take advantage.
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