Robbery v. Burglary

Robbery is sometimes mistaken as burglary, but actually they are different. Robbery is a crime wherein you will take or attempt to take something from someone by threat or by force. It is a means of taking the property of someone by means of threat or force. On the other hand, burglary is breaking and entering to someone’s house or a building and taking something. 

‘Breaking’ is opening a part of the house by force but doesn’t always mean that you will break something. As long as you have opened a door or window with the use of force, it is breaking in. And ‘entering’ is merely going into a building or using a tool to unlock the locks of the doors or window.

Robbery usually takes place at public places such as the mall, sidewalks, streets, or parking lot. Another term for this is ‘mugging.’ But for burglary, it happens in neighborhoods and targets buildings, houses, apartments, and even offices.

Usually, robbery comes with a threat with the use of weapons like knives, guns, and even bombs. With burglary, the only weapon used is something that can open locks to be able to enter a building, a house, or an apartment. Also, entering an unlocked window or door is still considered to be burglary.

Police consider that entering a bank during the day with guns and other weapons when it is open and attempting to steal all the money is a form of robbery, but when you plan to break in during the night when the bank is closed, it is a form of burglary.

Summary:

1)    Robbery and burglary are both crimes committing to theft.

2)    Robbery is taking something by threat while burglary is breaking or entering a building.

3)    Robbery takes place in public places. Burglary targets buildings.

4)    Robbery uses weapons as a form of threat; burglary uses materials to break into a building.

5)    Stealing money at an open bank with the use of weapons is robbery, but breaking into a bank that is closed is burglary.

6)    Use the terms ‘robbery’ and ‘burglary’ correctly to avoid confusion especially when a case is filed against the accused.

Theft v. Robbery

In everyday language, theft and robbery are used interchangeably. People do not pause to think about the differences between them. Sometimes, misusing the words can cost them insurance money, or it may lead to an unsuitable punishment. Legally, theft and robbery are very different and call for different punishments.

Theft

“Theft” refers to any action which involves taking any kind of property from someone without their knowledge with the intentions of depriving that person of the property permanently. Legally, “theft” and “larceny” are synonymous. It depends on and differs in each jurisdiction and from one state to another. One should know that larceny and theft might not be covered by many insurance policies.

Theft includes embezzlement and fraud. “Embezzlement” refers to an employee diverting money from the company or the money of some other employee for his personal use. “Fraud” refers to the use of tricks to take away someone’s property permanently. “Theft” also includes property damage, crimes against property, arson, mugging, looting, shoplifting, etc. “Larceny” is specifically taking any object belonging to a person and depriving him of it permanently.

Theft is usually prosecuted by the State. Sometimes when the interstate economy is affected, the federal government might take up the case. Theft is considered a misdemeanor or felony depending upon the monetary value of the object or property taken.

Robbery

“Robbery” refers to taking anything valuable from another person by using threats, force, and intimidation. It may be any form of violence. The main thing about robbery is the presence of a victim. A “holdup” and a “stickup” are the most common kinds of robbery.

Robbery is a felony, but it has different degrees or classes. Again, the degree is decided according to the laws of each state which are different. It depends upon the facts whether an accomplice was present or not, whether a weapon of some kind was used, the amount of violence used, etc.

“Aggravated robbery” refers to the presence of a deadly weapon or making the victim believe that a deadly weapon is present. Class E felonies refer to physical assaults or threats to use an assault without the presence of a weapon. They are punishable for up to 15 years in prison. Class C felonies refer to the use of weapons and are punishable up to 40 years in prison. In all the felony charges, years of punishment are added if the suspect has prior convictions.

Summary:

1)    “Theft” refers to any action which involves taking any kind of property from someone without their knowledge with the intention of depriving that person of the property permanently while “robbery” refers to taking anything valuable from another person by using threats, force, and intimidation.

2)    Theft does not involve the presence of a victim while robbery involves the presence of a victim at the time of the robbery.

3)    Theft does not involve the use of deadly weapons while Class C felonies and aggravated robbery involve the presence of a deadly weapon.

Was it Robbery or was it Theft?

-Birdy

Now you may say, "I’ve been robbed," but by definition, you may have been "burgled." Read carefully about the different terms below to learn more.

    * Robbery
    * Burglary
    * Larceny
    * Theft
    * Extortion
    * Investigation Differences

 You may also want to consider contacting an attorney or a police officer in your area to learn more about the legal definitions in your State.  As the definitions of each of these offenses vary from state-to-state, it would be better to become familiar with them now, rather then becoming a victim later on.

Robbery
Robbery is the taking or attempting to take something of value from another person by use of force, threats or intimidation. It is committed in the presence of the victim. Robbery is commonly known as a "holdup" or a "stickup" (i.e. bank robbery or mugging).

Robbery is usually divided into different ‘degrees’. The degrees vary by state and can also depend on whether a weapon or something that appears to be a weapon was present and/or if an accomplice was present. Any degree of robbery is considered a felony by law.

You might hear the term ‘aggravated robbery’. If a suspect makes a victim believe that he has a deadly weapon by showing a weapon, saying he has a weapon or displaying something that appears to be a weapon, it is aggravated robbery. 

Burglary is the unlawful entry of a ‘structure’ to commit a felony or a theft. Burglary is commonly known as a "break in," or, "breaking and entering." A ‘structure’ is usually in reference to physical buildings but not cars. Car break-ins or thefts are considered larcenies.

Burglary does not necessarily translate to damage. It is still considered burglary if someone enters through an unlocked door or window with the intent to commit a felony or theft. This is called ‘non-forcible entry’.

‘Forcible entry’ is when windows and doors are broken or forced; screens, walls or roofs are broken; tools are used; locks are picked, etc. You might also hear about ‘attempted forcible entry,’ which is when a burglar attempts to enter but is frightened off.


Larceny is similar to burglary. The major difference between the two is that the perpetrator did not illegally enter a structure by using forcible, non- forcible or attempted forcible entry (with the exception of a motor vehicle.)

All thefts of motor vehicles or from motor vehicles (parts, accessories, personal property) are considered larcenies whether the vehicle was locked or unlocked.

Along with motor vehicle theft, larcenies can include purse snatching, shoplifting, theft of any bicycle, fraud, embezzlement, identity theft, forgery, con games, etc.

You might have heard of ‘grand larceny’. In the U.S., this is usually defined as stealing an amount valued at $200 or more. There is also ‘petit (petty) larceny’, which is a smaller amount stolen.  Depending on the degree of the larceny attached to the offense, the penalties may range from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Theft, larceny and loss of personal property may not be covered under certain insurance policies. Be sure to read your policy carefully.

Legally, Theft is often synonymous with larceny.

Extortion
Sometimes viewed under the category of theft or larceny, extortion is when a person forces another person to do something against his will (usually give up money) by threat of violence, property damage, extreme financial hardship or damage to the person's reputation. Blackmail is a type of extortion. Racketeering is also often linked to extortion.

In robbery, the offender steals from the victim by immediate threats and force. In extortion, the victim willingly hands over personal property in order to avoid future damage or violence.

Now here is the run down: The Investigation Differences

Robbery
The main part of the investigation will be about the identification of the perpetrator or the person who committed the robbery. If you or a family member has been robbed, the police will ask you questions about the offender. They may ask you to describe the perpetrator’s clothing, age, height, weight, hair color and other distinguishing factors. You may be also asked to repeat anything the perpetrator said, what kind of car he/she was driving and in which direction he/she was headed.

This may be a difficult time but understand that correctly naming characteristics and information may help the police in their investigation.  Remember that police investigations vary depending on the case and jurisdiction.
 
Burglary
The main part of the investigation pays close attention to the breaking and entering areas, such as the entry and exit points. They may dust for fingerprints, take pictures and ask you questions about the burglary, and they may paw through your personal property looking for clues - you need not be alarmed by these procedures, just stay calm and tell the police/law enforcement officers everything you remember or answer their questions as honestly as you can.

Larceny and Theft
There are many different types of larceny-thefts. Therefore, each investigation will focus on different areas. If you were a victim of a purse snatching you may be asked questions about the offender’s age, weight, height. If you were a victim of identity theft, you might be asked about your credit card activity and bank statements.  It is vitally important to keep your emotions in check; a police officer, though trained to deal with persons who are emotionally upset, needs the facts as quickly as possible to give them the clues necessary for a good chance to acquire and return your property to you at the quickest possible moment.


Extortion
Extortion investigations would focus on the person or persons involved in the crime. Corporations and/or individuals, along with business activities, records and important documents, may be under investigation.

Which ever definition that is used, the whole point is that your personal possessions have been taken from you by a stranger, and there is more here; in the process those personal items could lead to blackmail which, unfortunately, is more difficult for law enforcement to both investigate and prove.  Prosecutors do not, generally, enjoy the prospects of prosecuting the criminal offense of blackmail, due to the unique circumstances of each case.

If you suspect that some of your personal property taken from you could turn into a blackmail issue, I suggest that you immediately call the FBI, or visit their website.

-Birdy

What is a Robbery, and Tips to Avoid being a Victim of One

WHAT IS A ROBBERY:
Robbery is defined by the US department of Justice as: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control from a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.
This is different from mere theft, where force is not used against you personally, but objects are stolen. In short: Theft happens to your property. Robbery happens to you.

In theft your any damage will occur to the item stolen or other property (viz, your door kicked in by a burglar). With robbery the threat of harm is to you.

A pick pocket (who takes your wallet out of your purse) is not committing robbery, he is committing theft. Someone who walks up and puts a gun in your face and demands your purse is committing robbery. In a robbery, you are put in danger. This is why robbery is deemed a more serious crime. IF you are lucky, you will only be offered the threat of violence.


Why is Avoidance Best?
It might require you to take extra steps, it might even require you to hang up your cell phone and return to where you came from, but why is avoidance the best option?


Who's Going To Be Robbing You?
To understand both the dangers and why you want to avoid such situations, you might like to understand what kind of person commits robberies and muggings.

Kinds of robbery
Different states have different definitions and different statutes regarding robbery. But there are basic kinds of robbery and often what you do for a living or where you live determines what kind of robbery you are most likely to encounter.

Fringe areas
Most personal robberies occur in what we call "fringe areas." This is a common term that runs through our system. What constitutes a fringe area might surprise you.

Five Stages of Violent Crime
What are the predictable - and easily identified stages a violent crime MUST go through in order to happen? How to identify when you are being set up for a violent crime

Robbery avoidance
Avoidance sounds wimpy until you are staring down the barrel of a gun, then it begins to make all sorts of sense. Unfortunately, by then it is too late. It is far easier to avoid being robbed by taking simple and easy steps.


Car jacking
Much of what you can do to prevent your vehicle from being carjacked can be found in the robbery avoidance page, however, there are some things that are specific to carjacking.

Pyramid of personal Safety
The pyramid of Personal Safety is a multilevel system designed to both discourage and foil criminals from preying on you. It is a blanket protection against several kinds of crime ranging from burglary, robbery and stalking. The more levels you include the safer you will be.

Lethal force
For those of you who find the idea of using lethal force to protect yourself uncomfortable, it is critical to realize that it exactly the level of force, whether lethal or of grave bodily injury that the robber is offering you. And that means you ARE in serious danger.

Mental Preparation

The cost of "defending yourself"
Many people think about getting a weapon or training to protect themselves from robbery. Others are appalled by the idea. We maintain this is a personal decision for each person to make. If you do chose to acquire either weapon or training, however, you are not exempt from deploying an avoidance strategy. There is a psychological cost of using lethal force on another human being. What the following article discusses is some of the long term repercussions that one must expect--especially if you did not try to avoid the situation. The article was written to get through to you a young man who had cavalierly discussed the idea of using a knife on another human being, as such the language is somewhat rough being a "Wake up Junior." Although focused on knife use, it is applicable to any lethal force usage.

Lunch Time Lectures: Crime Prevention

For businesses in the Colorado Front Range area (Denver & Colorado Springs) we offer a one-hour "Lunch Time Lecture" on crime avoidance and personal safety. We travel to your office and lecture your staff on how not to be the victim of crime. This is not a self-defense seminar, it's how not to be selected as a victim.

WHAT TO DO DURING A ROBBERY:

Try to stay calm. Don't make any sudden movements to upset the robber.

Do exactly as you are told. DO NOT RESIST!

Activate your alarm ONLY if you can do so secretly.

Tell the robber about anything that might surprise him, such as someone who is expected to arrive soon.

If you have to move or reach, tell the robber what you are going to do and why.

Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe him later.

Don't be a hero. It's better to lose your money than your life.

Give the robber time to leave.

Note his direction of travel when he leaves.

Try to get a description of his vehicle ONLY if you can do so without exposing yourself to harm.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A ROBBERY:

Call the police immediately, even if you have already activated the alarm.
Close the store and lock the door(s) if you have a key.

Do not discuss the details of the robbery with witnesses or fellow employees.

Ask any witnesses to stay until police arrive. If they can't, get their names, phone numbers and addresses.

Do not touch anything that the robber may have touched.  Block off areas where the robber was, if necessary.

Try to recall as much as you can about the robber's appearance, speech and mannerisms. Make notes.

Step outside the store when the police arrive so that they'll know the robber is gone and you are safe.

Let the police answer inquiries from the news media.
Do not discuss the amount of money taken with anyone other than police.

TIPS ON PREVENTING ROBBERY
AND STAYING SAFE AT HOME:

Do not allow strangers into your home, even if they are hurt or say they need help. Keep the door locked and call the police for them.

Do not advertise that you live alone.

Don't be afraid to call the police to investigate suspicious circumstances, unusual people or strange noises. It is better to be safe then sorry.

When you move into a new home, change the locks.

Keep your curtains or shades closed at night.

Don't leave notes on your door announcing when you will be home.
Keep outdoor lights on at night.

Never give information to an unknown caller. Report nuisance calls to the police and the telephone company.

Keep your doors and windows locked. If it is warm and you leave your door open for circulation, keep the screen door locked.

If you arrive home and your door is open or things appear to be out of place - don't go in your home. Leave and call the police.

Write down license numbers of suspicious vehicles to give to the police, if necessary.

TIPS ON PREVENTING ROBBERY
AND STAYING SAFE ON THE ROAD:

Keep your car in gear, doors locked, windows rolled up.

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at intersections and stop lights.

Park in areas that will be well lit when you return.

There is safety in numbers! Walk with friends or a in a group.

If you are being followed, don't drive home or get out. Drive to the nearest police station, open store or business for help. Try to note the license number and description of the car and persons following you.
Don't advertise. If you are out at night, don't wear expensive or fancy looking jewelry. This is an invitation to trouble.

If someone tries to get in your car while you are stopped - drive away quickly. 

Don't use ATM machines at night. Plan ahead and get your cash during safer times. Use ATM machines that are very visible. Avoid isolated ATM machines.

When using valet parking, provide the parking clerk with the valet key that most car manufacturers provide now. This prevents strangers from looking in your glove compartment and trunk and finding personal information.

Walk in open, well lit areas.

Avoid carrying a purse, if you can.


TIPS ON PREVENTING ROBBERY
AND STAYING SAFE AT WORK:

Keep your front doors and windows clear of signs and posters to allow good, two way visibility. Employees can see suspicious persons outside. Passers-by and police can see inside.

Keep the outside of your business well lit at night.

Make sure your cash register area is clearly visible to outside observers.
Practice good cash control. Keep a minimum amount in your cash drawer and make regular drops into a safe.

Advertise outside that you keep a minimal amount of cash in the register and that you will not accept large bills.

Don't keep large bills under the cash drawer. If you don't have a safe, find a less obvious place to hide your extra cash until you go to the bank.
Use a safe that the clerk cannot open alone or that requires two keys. Post that fact conspicuously, including on the safe itself.

Use video camera surveillance and make it well known.

Always have at least two clerks working at night.

Vary your banking routine. Carry cash in a variety of ways - a lunch sack, attaché case, flight bag, pocket, etc. Money bags are pretty obvious.

Vary the times and routes that you use to go to the bank.

Make deposits as often as possible, never less than once a day.

Be alert for "customers" who seem to be loitering or glancing around the store while appearing to shop or browse through a magazine.

Watch for suspicious persons outside the business - especially in parked cars and around telephone booths.

If you see someone who is acting suspicious inside or outside, call the police to have them checked out.

Two persons should be on hand at opening and closing times. 
At opening time, one person should enter the store and check to see if it has been disturbed.

Before closing, one person should check the office, back rooms and rest rooms to make sure no one is hiding inside.

Keep side and back doors locked. Have employees use the main entrance, if possible.

Place markers at the main entrance that employees can use to help gauge the height of a robber as he leaves.

By: Thomas "Birdy" McKee

Car Jacking

CAR-JACKING
Copyright By: Thomas “Birdy” McKee, Jan. 2010.
One of the fastest growing criminal offense in America (and the rest of the World) today, these tips are designed to keep both you, your property, and your loved ones safe, should you become a victim of carjacking.


Carjacking is a relatively new breed as crimes go. Using violence to hijack commercial trucks filled with goods has been around ever since the wheel was invented. While it is pretty safe to assume that the first car was stolen shortly after the automobile was invented, car theft has normally been a nonviolent property crime. Until carjacking came around.

These days, many, if not most, car thefts are committed by organized rings. Stealing cars is big business. In fact, it has become not only interstate, but international -- worth billions of dollars a year. It casts a massive shadow that extends from the legitimate (insurance companies, shipping companies and car dealerships) to questionable (shady auto body shops, junkyards and auto parts suppliers) to avowed criminals (gangs, drug- and illegal-alien-running cartels).

Car theft rings often recruit gang members and pay them upwards of $1,000 for what is, in effect, an hour's "work." They are sent out to steal a certain type of car. An industrious pack of nonviolent thieves can gather several cars in one day, netting upwards to $10,000 for a days work.

With carjacking, however, acquiring a car becomes just a few seconds of "work" and without telltale signs of break-in.

The 1995 Honda Civic was the most-stolen car during 2009, according to statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Of the top 10 most-stolen vehicles, six were Japanese brands. All four domestic vehicles on the list are light trucks, including one minivan. The NICB statistics are based on data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report.

Popularity and longevity have a lot to do with a vehicle's attractiveness as a theft target. Not only are there more vehicles available to steal, but as cars get older they require parts more frequently, creating demand for parts from stolen cars.

Types of vehicles stolen can vary by the region and state. For example, the 1999 Bombardier Ski-Doo snowmobile was one of the 10 most-stolen vehicles in Maine. In most Midwestern states, cars from Detroit-based manufacturers dominate the most-stolen cars lists with few, if any, foreign cars making the top 10.

Most stolen cars in 2009 included 1995 Honda Civic, 1989 Toyota Camry, 1991 Honda Accord, 1994 Dodge Caravan, 1994 Chevrolet full-size C/K 1500 pickup, 1997 Ford F150 pickup, 2003 Dodge Ram pickup, 1990 Acura Integra, 1988 Toyota pickup, 1991 Nissan Sentra.

Important Points to Know About Carjacking (the Bad News)
Carjacking is a felony offense. In the eyes of the law, it is a violent crime against the person. That makes it not only a felony, but a higher class one. While grand theft auto also is a felony since it is not violent, the sentencing is less severe. A carjacker is risking a far more severe penalty if he is caught than a regular car thief. A person who is stupid, lazy, violent and selfish enough to think that this is an acceptable risk is not going to suddenly start making smart decisions when he has a gun in your face.

You are dealing with a stupid, violent person with a track record of violence. And now is not the time to be a hero.

If you argue or resist a carjacker, the odds are you will be shot.
Like all robbers, the carjacker has come to the situation ready, willing and able to commit violence. While it may seem "it comes out of the blue" to you, the carjacker already has prepared himself to commit violence. You are literally playing against a stacked deck. Everything he needs to commit serious violence is in place at the same time you are surprised and shocked.

Unfortunately, most people have never faced such raw, unbridled violence. They suddenly find themselves dragged out of their normal, everyday parameters of existence and thrown into a strange -- and dangerous -- alien landscape. It's a place where none of the rules they are accustomed to apply. An effective strategy to "defend your space" under normal circumstances could in this instant get your brains blown into a fine pink mist.

Your normal defenses are not enough. Words, anger or outrage are insufficient to protect yourself against someone committed to violence. It is nearly impossible for the average citizen to effectively defend himself when confronted in such a wild and unexpected manner. To go instantly from thinking about scheduling the day or what you are going to have for dinner to the killing savagery necessary to overcome an armed opponent is beyond even most trained martial artists. And by the time you could muster enough outrage to effectively defend yourself, the carjacker would have long since pulled the trigger.

Carjackers seldom operate alone. Although you only may have seen the guy who stuck a gun in your face, chances are that there are more of them around. Car thieves in general and carjackers especially tend to operate in groups. Often a driver will stop, let one of the members out of his car and wait until the vehicle has been stolen. They will then caravan to a drop-off point, and the thief will rejoin his comrades. Working in this manner, a group of thieves can steal many cars in one night and split several thousand dollars.

If something goes wrong with the carjacking attempt (i.e., you miraculously defeat the carjacker in a blaze of kung-fu glory without getting shot) there is a very good chance that his cronies will open fire on you. And unlike the carjacker, the gunmen will not be close enough for you to karate chop him. No matter how good you think your martial prowess may be, you can't dodge bullets -- especially if you are trapped between two parked cars. This same problem applies to any firearm defense you might muster. You can easily find yourself in a firefight after shooting your primary attacker. These are situations where you will be responsible for where your bullets go and any rounds you might fire as the accomplices flee.

If the carjacker gets your purse, as well, now you have identity theft and burglary problems. It isn't just the loss of your car that will be the problem, important information and credit cards are often lost in carjackings. This means you have to go through the hassles of canceling credit cards, changing your locks (remember he not only has your address now, but your keys, too) and protecting yourself from identity theft.

This is why you must spot the problem developing in order to save both yourself and your vehicle. If you don't see it coming, the best you can hope for is to save yourself. And you do that by giving the carjacker what he wants without resistance and escaping with your life.
Important Points to Know About Carjacking

The Good News: There are two types of carjacking. The most common is when you walk to your car in a parking lot or street. The other is when you are in your car, but momentarily stopped (e.g., at a traffic light, entering traffic from a parking lot or turning).

The really good news is that what works to avoid being carjacked in the first example is the same as what you do to prevent yourself from being robbed. Those basic steps will go miles toward reducing your risk. By adding the following information and minor adjustments specific to carjacking, you can reduce your odds of being victimized even farther.
The other type of carjacking is best foiled by some simple measures.

Tips to Prevent Being Carjacked

What follows are minor additions to the information given on the robbery avoidance tips page. These apply directly to theft of your vehicle. The rarest form of carjacking is where the carjacker runs up to your car when you are stopped at a light, stop sign or parked, opens the door and drags you out. He then jumps in and drives away. For this type of carjacking.
Wear a Seat-belt
Not only can wearing a seatbelt save your life, but it also is a serious deterrent to carjackers.

A carjacking at a stoplight relies on speed. A carjacker has to open the door, quickly pull the person out of the vehicle, jump in and drive away. Locked doors and seatbelts slow down the process. He cannot gain access and pull you out of the car quickly. A would-be carjacker will see these conditions as he approaches and often abort the process.

When Stopped in Traffic,
Leave Enough Room to See the Rear Tires of the Car in Front of You


While it is commonly the first vehicle at a light that gets carjacked, the second car often can be targeted -- especially at stop signs and turn lanes where the car in front will be moving shortly. The idea is that by the time the carjacker pulls you out of your car, the car in front will have moved on.

Carjackings from stopped vehicles tend to occur in medium traffic levels. Gridlock is not conducive to a fast get away. Nor is the criminal going to be able to successfully steal your car when you are traveling 45 mph. Therefore, carjackings tend to happen in slow, stop or choke points (e.g., turn lanes, stop signs and driveway exits). These are places where the criminal will have the ability to quickly join other traffic and escape. The same elements that he needs in order to successfully carjack your vehicle can be used to foil his attempt.

By leaving enough space to see the tires of the car in front of you, you leave yourself room to maneuver. Different cars, SUVs and trucks have different turn radii so there is no hard and fast rule as to what this distance will be. But, generally speaking, being able to see the tires of the car in front of you over the hood of your vehicle should give you enough room.

If someone unexpectedly appears by your car door, you can -- with this space -- floor the accelerator and escape. There is no legitimate reason for a person to be in this position in the middle of traffic.

Although stopping at this distance can help prevent carjacking, it also is a safe driving practice. It can help keep your car from being pushed into the vehicle in front of you if your auto is rear-ended at a stoplight. It also helps prevent the car in front hitting your vehicle if it rolls back (as occasionally happens with stick shifts and bad drivers). And these kind of traffic accidents are more common than carjackings.

Remember: When it comes to carjacking, there is a risk of being shot at this point. Several factors come into play, however.
A) Although many carjackers have guns, many thefts are done by groups or at knife point -- especially in places where strict penalties exist for carrying a gun. (Remember, the criminal has to get to where he going to commit the crime. During that time, he is at risk of being stopped by a cop). So you are not always going to be facing a gun.

B)Many criminals are not good shots. The more distance between you and him, the safer you are.

C) It's hard to shoot straight while dodging out of the way to avoid being run over. Face it, your car is bigger than he is.

D) Modern triage methods have greatly increased your chances of surviving a single gunshot. Now this last one may not sound like much of a comfort, but it is important. Your chances of survival are far less if you are trapped and the criminal shoots you multiple times. Your chances of surviving are much greater if you are shot only once while fleeing. The latter strategy gets you out of range of being shot more than once. Cold comfort we know, but it is a pragmatic and realistic approach to a dangerous subject.

Immediately Lock Your Doors When You Get In Your Car

This is a good habit to get into anyway. It takes no more than a second, and you can proceed to ready yourself for travel in greater safety and at your leisure.

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant was once asked why he posted a line of cavalry around the camp. It was pointed out that any attack would easily punch through such a thin line. His response, "They buy us time. This way we don't wake up with the bastards in our tents." The same idea applies here. A locked door doesn't necessarily stop a carjacker. But it does prevent you from first learning of his presence when he grabs you and drags you out of your car at knife point.

If you wish, you can make it to your second action after putting keys in the ignition and starting the car. That way, while you put on your seatbelt and adjust your belongings, your car is warming up. This is actually good for your engine since most of the wear and tear occurs when it is started. If instead of immediately putting it into gear and driving, you let it warm up, you will significantly extend the life of your engine. If an emergency arises, you can simply slam the car into gear and escape.
In the presence of a gun, however, we recommend getting out and giving up your car. He can pull the trigger faster than you can put your vehicle in gear and drive away.

Do NOT Open the Door or Roll Down the Window to Talk to Someone.

It is usually a bad sign when someone unexpectedly appears at the side of your car. Like phone calls after 10 pm., it's not going to be good news. People who appear unexpectedly usually want something. If you decide to talk to them, do not open the door or roll the window down all the way.

Although a window won't stop a bullet, it can stop hands and knives. By only rolling your window down slightly, you prevent an attacker from reaching in, opening your door, snatching items from your person or robbing you at knife point.

You might also want to put the car in gear before you crack the window. If something is amiss, you can accelerate out of danger. If someone tells you something is wrong with your car do not get out and look. Thank them for the information and tell them you will look into it. Then drive away.

Be especially cognizant of such a person grabbing and working your car door handle. There is no legitimate reason for such an action. Actions such as knocking at your window are often used as a cover for this. If you see a criminal trying to work your door handle, immediately put your car in gear and start driving away.

The second -- and far more common -- form of carjacking, however, is when the thief simply walks up when you are getting into your car and puts a gun in your face. The carjacker then grabs your keys (and possibly your purse), jumps in and drives away. This type of carjacking resembles a typical robbery. Again we stress that most of the same measures that will keep you safe from robbery apply here.

Look Around Before You Put the Key into the Lock

This is the second check to do in a fringe area (the first is when you entered). Most carjackings occur in parking lots, as do many robberies and abductions. It is an excellent strategy to look around before you put yourself into a position where you can be trapped.

It is better still to look around as you approach the car. If a shady character is close by, keep on moving. Do not put yourself in the narrow gap between cars.

A quick scan will show if you have been followed. Most carjackings occur as you open the car door or are getting ready to drive away. Many people wrongly assume that when they reach their cars, they are safe. Not true. Even if you lock the door, if he has a gund he can shoot through the window. Or he can smash the window and threaten you with a knife. It is far better to spot someone approaching as you near your car than  to try and extract yourself from a situation already gone bad.





Have Someone Time You to See How Long It Takes to Get into Your Car,
Start It and Drive Away

Many people think of their vehicle as "safety." But you will not be safe from a criminal on foot until your car is doing about 15 mph. This is why you should never try to reach your car if you think someone is trying to rob you. The time it takes to unlock your car, get in, start it, put it in gear, back out and drive away is too great.

Even when doing it as quickly as you can, this process is slow. Have someone start timing you at about 10 feet from the vehicle. Signal when you reach 15 mph in the car. Now see how much distance a person can cover in that time. The first time, again start 10 feet from your car and have the person helping you about 20 more feet behind you. That's 30 feet from your car. You have to unlock the car and get in before the person reaches you. Repeat this, gradually increasing the distance until the person can no longer reach you before you drive away.

If an unsavory character is within that distance and approaching, do not try to get in your car. He is close enough to get to you.

This also is why you always need to look around when you reach your car and again before you try to put the key in the door. Knowing how long it takes will prevent you from making a potentially deadly mistake if there is a carjacker approaching. Return to top of page

If Someone Approaches While You're Getting into Your Car, MOVE!
Do NOT stand there and watch him approach you: Control the distance by moving away from him.

Carjackers tend to work with partners. This is especially true, when they drive up to you as you are getting into your car. One jumps out and carjacks you while the other speeds away.

A carjacker must close with you to gain control of the situation. Your feet are not nailed to the ground. If someone approaches you, move! Preferably, around the hood of your car, which puts something between you and him; as well as giving you cover in case he starts shooting. But get away from the car door.

Throw Your Car Keys Your car keys go one way, you go another.

The criminal now has to choose, you or the car. If he is after your car, then his task is made more difficult because he has to go looking for the keys. If he decides to pursue you, then you know he wasn't really interested in the car after all. This tells you the extent of your danger and what response is warranted. If he pursues you, he is running away from his escape route -- whether that is your car or his friends in another vehicle.

Some might advocate throwing the keys at the criminal -- we do not. The reason we advocate throwing your keys away from the criminal is twofold. First, he is not harmed which makes him less likely to shoot. If you hurt him, he now has an investment in hurting you back. Second, if you throw your keys at him then you are giving him your keys. By throwing them away, you increase your chances of his not getting your car.

Get Theft Insurance

Certain cars are more likely to be targeted. Before you buy a new car, check with the police if that make of car is currently in the "Top 10" of stolen vehicles.

Cars are most often stolen for parts. The vehicle is chopped up and sold to body shops. The body shop pays $1,000 on a part that the manufacturer would charge $5,000 for. The shop turns around and charges you the dealer price and mark up. By doing this the shop made an additional $4,000 profit. This particular risk of theft lasts until enough of the car model becomes easily available in the junkyards -- where parts can be legally purchased for a reduced price.
If given a choice between filing
an insurance claim or getting shot, giving up your car suddenly looks much more appealing.

Get A Lojack, On Star or Other Tracking Device

A locating system on your car can do wonders for getting it back before it is chopped up and also can help lower insurance rates with some agencies.

Stolen cars are often taken to large parking lots and left for a few days. Due to the high number of auto thefts, descriptions of stolen cars only stay on the "hot sheets" for a short time. (Hot sheets are listings and descriptions of newly stolen cars used for quick reference by law enforcement.) On cars that have been "stashed" for a few days, the only way to tell if they have been stolen is to pull them over and "run the numbers." By simply waiting a few days, thieves greatly reduce their chances of being caught.

If your car has a locating system, however, all it takes is a phone call to have it found. If you make the call fast enough, you can often have the criminal arrested while still in the car.

Having both insurance and this kind of system will do wonders for your willingness to let the criminal have your car. This will lessen the chances of you foolishly trying to resist a carjacker, who gets the drop on you. And cell phones are faster than driving.

If Despite All this Information, a Carjacker Gets the Drop on You,
Give Him Your Car Keys

It sounds so stupidly obvious to say this, but the number of people who are killed or wounded by carjackers every year, prove that people do it.

Do NOT attempt to argue, fight or resist someone who has a gun screwed up your nose!

Accept that he won this round and give him your keys.

The carjacker has come prepared for violence. You, on the other hand, were just getting into your car. It is an incredibly rare person who can flash into committing lethal violence. In fact by the time most people can get over their shock and decide to resist, the criminal has already pulled the trigger.

Even if you could make that mental jump that fast, it only takes a second to pull the trigger. Can you inflict lethal force that fast? That is what it would take to keep you teeth from being blown out of the back of your skull when the criminal has the drop on you.

Furthermore, at that range, the criminal will not just shoot you once, but repeatedly. This is why we suggest -- if you lapsed in awareness and personal safety habits and allowed a carjacker to close with you -- you just give up your car and accept the fact you have some identity theft, burglary and insurance problems coming your way. Alive with problems is better than dead or in the ICU with a sucking chest wound.

Why Are Carjackings More Dangerous?

While any kind of robbery is dangerous, carjackings take on a particularly nasty twist because the vehicles themselves create walls and limit your options.

In the Five Stages of Violent Crime, the third stage is called "positioning." This is where the criminal puts himself into position to successfully attack you. One of the types of positioning is cornering/trapping. That is where the criminal 'pins' you between himself and a large object (such as the car). The presence of a car -- and often the car door as well -- seriously limits your mobility and increases your chances of being trapped. Even in an open parking lot, the presence of four cars can create a "hallway" that makes it easy to shoot you.

This is why you need to remember to flee in front of or behind your car. Do not run down the "hallway" between cars since that leaves you in the line of fire. By cutting in front of your vehicle or another, you put something between you and the criminal. Even if the cars are parked against the wall, there is often room for you to wiggle through. If not, scramble over the car's hood or trunk.

The main idea, however, is to flee the scene ASAP.