Staff travelling in their cars especially during rush hour are advised to take precautionary measures to avoid carjacking incidents and other car crimes especially this season, as most often during the afternoon and evening, a chance of rain is very high which adds up to the heavy traffic particularly in the central business districts and EDSA. These give criminals an opportunity to carry out their unlawful intentions such as carjacking and theft from the vehicle. To avoid these unlawful acts, it is imperative that we know the different modus operandi (mode of operation) on carjacking and car crimes together with several important security guidelines.
Modus Operandi
1.
"Bunggo-Bunggo" Approach
The group scouts for potential victims, usually lady drivers and persons travelling alone. The syndicate identifies and follows the victim. By the time they reach a deserted and remote area, they deliberately crash into the rear end of the victim's car assuming that the victim will stop and inspect the damage. Members of the syndicate wait for the victim to approach and confront them about the car's damage. The moment the victim alights from his/her car, the suspects take the victim's car at gunpoint.
2. Attacking Vehicles in Heavy Traffic
Thieves typically work in pairs. Spotting a potential victim driving a car with unlocked doors, a pair will force their way into the car stopped in heavy traffic or in an intersection taking away valuable items. The victim is threatened by a knife or a gun taking away his/her wallet and jewelry and sometimes forcing the victim to move to the passenger seat, drives the car to a deserted area, robs the victim or steal the car. In both cases, the victim has no chance of pursuing or even identifying the culprits.
3. “Salisi” Approach
In this approach, the gang will spot for potential victim, preferably with valuables inside the car. One member of the syndicate will get the attention of the victim by creating a scene or a diversionary tactic such as lying dead/injured or as if hit by the car. Once the victims step out from his/her car and approach/confront the so-called victim/syndicate, one member of the syndicate will sneak towards the car and take away valuable items. Oftentimes, the so-called victim/syndicate will demand for damages while creating a fuss to get public attention thus forcing the victim to pay the demands. This approach is also being applied in hijacking.
Security Countermeasures
1. Use extreme caution in all areas in the late afternoon or after dark when most carjacking occur.
2. Avoid travelling alone during unholy hours along roads that are either deserted or with little vehicular/pedestrian traffic.
3. Awareness of the local threat, the criminals' modus operandi and the possible consequences.
4. Always park your vehicle in well-lit secured areas.
5. Watch out for suspicious-looking people before you leave or approach your vehicle. Also try to go around the car to check the tires and any unusual object that may be tied to your vehicle to create noise when the car moves that will require you to go out of the vehicle and investigate while your engine is already running.
6. Do not leave valuables in a parked car that can make more attractive to criminals.
7. If you have a flat tire in an area you regard as unsafe, drive slowly until you find a safe place to stop.
8. Keep windows and doors locked while driving. Be familiar with the car central locking system.
9. Avoiding predictability in timing, routes, and parking. Avoid using the same roads routinely and avoid isolated roads, and where possible, do not drive at night in high risk areas.
10. If your vehicle is bumped or hit, do not stop or leave the vehicle unless you are sure it is safe to do so. The bump may be a prelude to a hi-jacking, robbery, or assault.
11. Carjackers may also pose as persons in need of assistance. Do not stop to help, but notify police of the person's whereabouts.
12. If being victimised by “salisi” gang, drive towards a safer place preferably with police officers around.
13. Always keep a means of emergency communication with readily available emergency contact numbers (speed dial).
Things To Do when Carjacked
1. If you are attacked, drive away if it is possible to do so. If driving away is not an option, switch on your hazard lights and press your horn to call for help or attract attention that may frighten away the attacker(s).
2. If you have a cell phone, use it to call for help.
3. Consider that a criminal who approaches you is likely to be dangerously nervous and/or under the influence of drugs. Therefore, make no hasty movements, react as calmly as possible, and display your agreement to give up your vehicle. Keep your hands in sights and if you have passengers, tell them to co-operate.
4. If the Carjacker makes clear his intent is to steal your vehicle, co-operate fully. Mentally accept the loss of your vehicle and its material content.
5. If you have to get out of your vehicle, do so slowly and calmly. Leave the vehicle keys in the ignition. If wearing a seat belt, make sure you are in full view of the criminal before seeking to undo the belt, and state loudly what you are about to do.
6. Avoid eye contact with the carjacker. He may think you are storing details for later use in identifying him to the police.
7. Do not talk unless the carjacker demands it. Do not reveal your anger. Do nothing to antagonise.
8. Walk away quietly from the vehicle, facing the criminal but with eyes clearly or obviously averted.
9. If your vehicle is equipped with an immobilisation switch that can be operated remotely, wait until the criminal has departed before you activate the switch.
10. Contact authorities immediately.
