Westmont, Illinois - Date Issued: October 26, 2021
In recent months, area car thefts and carjacking attempts have been on the rise in the Chicagoland area. The Westmont Police Department encourages everyone to be diligent in their effort to be safe.
Carjacking is defined as stealing a car by force. Often, the offender is armed with a gun during a carjacking. Carjacking is not just a problem in large cities; it also happens in the suburbs. Rather than stealing parked cars, many criminals find it easier to steal a car while the owner is inside with the keys in the ignition. Many of these cars are stolen and used to commit other crimes. The Westmont Police Department would like to inform residents of important safety precautions when it comes to carjacking safety. Your vehicle is property that can be replaced, you are irreplaceable.
When approaching and getting into your car…
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Be wary of people loitering in the area.
- Walk with purpose and stay alert. Approach your car with your keys in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.
- Trust your instincts; if something makes you feel uneasy, get into the car quickly, lock the doors and drive away.
While on the road…
- Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way), no matter how short the distance you will be walking or how safe the neighborhood.
- Be especially alert when stopped at intersections, gas stations, ATMs and convenience stores.
- When you are coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away. You should be able to see the rear tires of the car ahead of you.
- Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car.
- Avoid driving alone at night.
- Do not stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Instead, help by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help.
- Keep your cell phone in your pocket. If your vehicle is stolen, you will have a way of contacting 911.
When getting out of your car…
- Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
- Never leave valuables in plain sight; lock your car and take the keys.
- Even if you are rushed, look around before you exit your vehicle and stay alert to your surroundings.
Be aware of carjacking scenarios…
- Bump and Run - You are rear ended. A passenger from the vehicle that bumps you jumps into your driver seat when you go to assess the damage and exchange driver information. Note their description and call 911.
- Stranded Motorist - Do Not Stop for apparently stranded strangers along the road. Note their location and call 911 to send help.
If you are the victim of a carjacking...
- Give up your vehicle and leave the scene. Do not argue. Your life is worth more than your car.
- Avoid verbal/physical confrontations.
- If there is a child in the vehicle, let the carjacker know “my child is in the car.”
- Try to remember what the carjacker looked like: gender, complexion, age, hair and eye color, special features, clothes. Also remember the description of any vehicles involved – color, make, model, license plate.
- Call 911 and report the crime immediately to the police.
Create a Smart 911 profile and include your vehicle information.
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