Understanding The Crime Of A Violent Carjacking - Part II

CARJACKING

Carjacking is an especially frightening crime, as it usually involves a direct confrontation with a car thief. Carjacking usually occurs when criminals need to flee the scene of other crimes, as part of a gang initiation, or because some cars are easier to steal when the owner is there with the keys.

Stealing a car by force has captured headlines across the country. Statistically your chances of being a carjacking victim are very slim and prevention can reduce the risk even further. Carjacking can be an especially frightening crime as it usually involves a direct confrontation with a car thief. It also usually occurs when criminals need to flee the scene of other crimes, as part of a gang initiation, or because some cars are easier to steal when the owner is there with the keys.

Why Is Carjacking A Problem?

No one knows for certain, but some explanations include:

It’s a crime of opportunity - a thief searching for the most vulnerable prey. Sometimes it’s the first step to another crime.
For some young people, carjacking may be a rite of passage, a status symbol, or just a thrill.
Cars, especially luxury ones, provide quick cash for drug users and other criminals.
Sophisticated alarms and improved locking devices make it hard for thieves to seal unoccupied cars.
It’s easy to buy, steal, or barter for guns in this country. And a pointed gun makes a more powerful threat.
More teens and adults commit crimes of violence than ever before.
Intense media interest may have created "copycat" carjackers.

It Can Happen Anywhere And To Anyone

Though carjackings can occur anytime, a sizeable share appear to take place during the late night hours.
Carjacking isn’t just a problem in large cities - it happens in suburbs, small towns, and rural areas.
Carjackers look for opportunity. They don’t choose victims by sex, race, or age.

Golden Opportunities: What Do Carjackers Look For?
Areas that carjackers target are: intersections controlled by traffic lights or stops lights, parking garages, shopping malls, grocery stores, gas stations, car washes, ATM machines, residential driveways, highway exit and entry ramps.
Be alert to your surroundings, even when you feel rushed.
When approaching your car, have your key in your hand, and check the back seat before you get in.
If someone is loitering near your unoccupied car as you approach it, keep walking until the person leaves.
Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out flyers. Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into your car quickly, lock the doors and drive away.
Avoid driving alone. Have someone with you especially at night.
When you come to a stop, leave enough space to maneuver around other cars.
In extreme situations you might even consider going through a traffic light, as long as you can do so without causing an accident.
Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Instead, drive to the nearest phone or use your cell phone to call the police for help.
If you are driving home and notice someone you don’t recognize loitering, drive around the block and come back after the person has left.
Avoid parking near anything that limits your visibility.
Most importantly - If a carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don’t argue. Your life is worth far more than a car!
If someone takes your car, get away from the areas as quickly as you can. Try to remember what the carjacker looked like and report the crime immediately to the police.

The "Bump and Rob"

It works like this: A car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger, rear-ends or "bumps" you in traffic. You quickly get out to check the damage and exchange information. Either the driver or one of the passengers jumps in your car and drives off.

If you are bumped by another car, be sure to look around before you get out.
Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that rear-ended you and who is in it. If the sittuation makes you uneasy, memorize or jot down the car’s tag number and description: signal the other car to follow you. Drive to the nearest police station or to a busy, well-lighted area.
If you do get out of the car, take your keys (and purse or wallet if you have one) with you and stay alert.

Reduce Your Risk

Getting In Your Car

Walk with a purpose and stay alert to your surroundings.
Approach your car with the keys in your hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.
Be wary of people asking for directions or handing out fliers.
Trust your instincts - if something makes you feel uneasy, get into your car quickly, lock the doors, and drive away.

Driving

Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up (at least part-way if it’s hot and you don’t have air conditioning), no mater how short the distance or how safe the neighborhood.
When you’re coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.
Drive in the center lane to make it harder for would-be carjackers to approach the car.
Avoid driving alone and go with someone whenever possible, especially at night.
Don’t stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by using your cell phone to call the police for help.

Getting Out Of Your Car

Park in well-lighted 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 view, even if the car is locked.
Put valuables in the trunk or out of sight.
Try to park in a garage with an attendant. Leave only the ignition key, with no identification.
Even if you are rushed, look around before you get out and stay alert to your surroundings.

If It Happens to You…

If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don’t argue. Your life is worth more than a car.
Get away from the area as quickly as possible.
Try to remember what the carjacker looked like - sex, race, age, hair and eye color, special features, and clothing.
Report the crime immediately to the police by calling 911.
Know your license plate number and give a good description of your car.

Part III - Tips To Avoid Being A Carjacking Victim

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Violent Carjacking Crime & The 4 In 1 Emergency Tool - Part I

WARNING CRIMINAL ALERT

Carjacking Robbery - Latest Violent Crime. Be Aware/Be Alert/Be Prepared!

The local South Bend Tribune newspaper had an article about two 18 and 19-year old college sophomores who were victims of a robbery and carjacking Thursday night near their apartment. They both were robbed and then stuffed into the trunk of the student’s vehicle.

The students were arriving back to their apartment about 10:40 p.m. Thursday evening. As they got out of the car they were surrounded by four young men - one of which was carrying a gun. The robbers demanded the student’s money, wallets, bank access numbers, and debit/credit cards. The students were told if they didn’t do what the carjackers wanted they were going to be shot and thrown into the river that flows through town. They were then stuffed into the trunk of the car.

The four punks then stole the vehicle with the students in the trunk. As they were driving the vehicle at about 1:30 a.m Friday, police officers noticed the car’s high-beam headlights were staying on and started following the vehicle. A chase ensued and the punks crashed the car into a fence and ran away. Police officers were not able to catch the criminals; however, the students in the trunk were safely rescued.

One of the students said, "You never think that a carjacking will happen to you. We were kind of blindsided. I don’t know how you could have prepared." Well, that’s pretty much what everyone says after they’ve become a victim of a crime. Whether it’s a personal assault, physical attack, home invasion, or home burglary - people say they never thought it would happen to them.

How you avoid a crime like this from happening to you "IS" to be PREPARED!! Be alert, be aware of your surroundings, be prepared and stay alive! Realize that violent crime is infecting every community and you need to understand that it could happen to you. Don’t get into the mindset that "it won’t happen to me!"

Here is a 4 in 1 Emergency Tool that is clearly a lifesaver and should be in everyone’s car - both in the front seat area and the trunk of your car. This may be your first step to being prepared.

Here’s how the 4 in 1 Emergency Tool functions and can provide added security for you:

It has a super bright flashlight that can be used at night in any situation. (Think of being in the trunk of your car - it would come in extra handy).
It has a blinking emergency light that activates automatically upon removal from its base. (Again, a great tool if you are stuck in the trunk of your car).
If you are trapped in your car or the trunk of your car, the unit acts as a hammer to break the window out for an escape or can be used to break out the tail lights. (Once again, great tool to have in the trunk).
The 4 in 1 Emergency Tool also has a blade that can cut the seat belt in case you are trapped. This tool can also cut through the duct tape that was used to wrap your wrists with. (Don’t you think this would be a great tool to have in the trunk of your car?).

Lastly, because the 4 in1 Emergency Tool can be used as a hammer, it can also be used as a weapon to fight off a carjacker who plans to do you harm. Most carjackers, kidnappers, or those who abduct their victims by throwing them into the trunk of a vehicle and taking them to a second location usually don’t live to tell about it. Be prepared to fight back if it means saving your life!

This is a versatile tool with four great uses in your car. Because of the pricing people should have a 4 in 1 Emergency Tool in both the front seat (maybe under the seat) and in the trunk of your car.

Also you might want to consider carrying Personal Protection such as Pepper Spray, Mace, Stun Gun, TASER C2, or Personal Alarm. Check out all personal protection products at http://www.ThePersonalSecurityStore.com

Order the 4 in 1 Emergency Tool today @ http://www.ThePersonalSecurityStore.com/emergencytool.htm

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

Part II - Understanding The Crime Of Violent Carjackings

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Women At Risk-In Home Sales Safety & Self-Defense

Are you an outside sales representative who goes into people’s home as part of your job? For the most part you are going into a complete stranger’s home. Do you take the necessary precautions to ensure your personal safety when you are on the job? Do you carry any type of personal protection device or have you taken a self-defense class? Do you have a Personal Safety Plan so you know what do if physically attacked or assaulted? You should be answering these questions because women are coming face to face with these types of scenarios every day.

The In-Home Sales Consultant has potentially more risk than the traditional sales position because you are going into a complete stranger’s home. This may be your first time at meeting this potential customer. Perhaps you have not even spoken over the telephone because the appointment was preset for you. The unknown is sometimes the danger factor. Other factors that determine the vulnerability of this type of position can depend upon the type of product you are selling and who you will be meeting with - male or female alone or a husband and wife team.

If at all possible, call your appointment to confirm, get driving directions, or to get at least a feel for your upcoming meeting. A lot of times just a quick conversation can instinctively let you know this appointment will be fine or it may tell you that you better take someone with you… just in case.

Are you selling home security systems or draperies and blinds to a homeowner? The home security professional may be meeting with the most upstanding citizen in one meeting but in another situation may be meeting with a major drug dealer (homeowner) who needs the ultimate security because of the criminal element they are involved with. You can just imagine which sales position may be more vulnerable and require a higher level of safety.

It is always best to have your personal safety and security as priority number one as you enter and move about your prospect’s (stranger’s) home. Take a few minutes to discuss what you will be looking at inside the home, get to know your prospect and let them know you, look to see where the entry/exit doors are located and always let the homeowner lead the way throughout the home. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, be sure to listen and wrap the meeting up immediately.

Why carrying personal protection with you is so important.

A violent situation can happen anywhere at anytime, even in a prospect’s home. Be sure to arm yourself with some type of self-defense and safety awareness training. And always carry personal protection like pepper/mace spray or a personal alarm with you. You can easily carry pepper spray in your pocket, briefcase, portfolio, on your keys, or in your purse. It’s better to be proactive and safe than attacked or murdered.

For all your Personal Protection Product needs go to http://www.ThePersonalSecurityStore.com

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What’s Your Worst Nightmare? How About A Home Invasion Wakeup Call W/A Gun To Your Head?

This is one of the worst nightmare scenarios I can think of. Can you imagine being sound asleep and abruptly being awakened at 3:00 a.m. to a gun being pointed at your head and realize you are in the midst of a home invasion robbery. Watch the video below and see what happened to one couple. (Video Courtesy of MyFoxNY.com).

The self-defense instructor in the video is Phil Messina of Modern Warrior and teaches self-defense training designed specifically for home invasion victims and for those who want to proactively learn to protect and defend themselves against this type of criminal attack.

Join Lets Talk Home Security radio show on Friday, 9-25-09, 10:00 a.m. EDT/7:00 PDT when Cheryl Watterson will interview Phil Messina, retired Sgt. NYPD and owner of Modern Warrior.

The show call in number is (646) 727-3396 or you can listen online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/letstalkhomesecurity.

Be proactive - protect your home and family today!

REPORT-“HOME INVASION PREVENTION” @ www.homeinvasionfreer Home Security System ($850 Value). You pay only $99 Installation Fee + 24-Hour ADT Monitoring Services. Call 866-755-6137 or to go to the website.Click Here

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Three Key Self-Defense Points By Dr. Ruthless

Article & Picture Courtesy of Dr. Ruthless

We now know Grad Student Annie Le was strangled to death, an intimate kill. TV pundits and guests argue– and not very well: Could she, a tiny woman, have defended herself, successfully fought back. Dr. Ruthless reiterates 3 key self defense points that address this situation:

3 Key Self-Defense Points From Dr. Ruthless:

1. Do NOT struggle ineffectually against a man’s superior upper body strength

2. If he’s sitting on you strangling, his weight is likely forward; learn to trap his hands onto your body, or get your hand UNDER his hands or rope then TRAP them, and use your HIPS TO explosively BUCK HIM OFF. DON’T WASTE TIME SCRATCHING AT HIS FACE! You have to GET HIM OFF! Once he’s off balanced, his weight off your hips, pivot & use your legs mercilessly like battering rams, slamming into his face: F Him up! Also wield any handy weapon, the harder hitting or slice-n-dicing the better! You may only have seconds!

3. Work FAST HARD FURIOUSLY. BE EXPLOSIVE.

Check to see what type of self-defense training is offered in your community. If you find that none are available or just want to train at home, get a copy of Dr. Ruthless’ DVD - "Fierce & Female" and learn her dynamic, proactive, self-defense techniques.

Click Here to get your copy today.

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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Girls & Guns - Women Take Control Of Their Own Self-Defense

Video Courtesy of TrainSafeWI

There’s a growing trend among many women today - they are learning how to fight back and protect themselves against the tremendous increase in violence against them!

Women are taking control of the own destiny by learning self-defense training AND purchasing guns to ensure they don’t become a victim of a violent mugging, physical attack, or worse yet murder. By taking a quality self-defense class, women can learn strong self-defense techniques and tactics to protect and defend themselves against a violent attacker.

Unfortunately, even if you know self-defense tactics what happens when the attacker is a 250 lb madman? You may need a stronger secondary source of protection to save your life. Look at the recent murder of Annie Li, the Yale grad student who was murdered by a co-worker. The person who murdered her was twice her size.

One point to mention - women should make it a habit to always be aware and alert to their surroundings - especially when they are alone. Also be sure to listen to any "gut instincts" that says there is something "wrong" about a situation that just doesn’t feel quite right. Your instincts may be telling you that you’re in a dangerous place - so get out of that situation as quickly as you can!

If you are physically assaulted or attacked, chances are likely that no one will be around to help save you - certainly not the police. Even if you call 911 for help you may get an inept 911 operator who spends more time questioning and talking instead of quickly dispatching the police who may be able to save your life. We’ve all heard these unfortunate 911 horror stories.

Whatever the situation more women are taking control of their own self-defense and making the decision to protect themselves with a gun. If you are one of these women, be sure to keep firearm safety in the forefront and take the necessary firearm safety training. It will help remove some of the fear women may have about carrying a firearm and provide the knowledge needed to operate, handle, clean, and care for the weapon.

After taking the necessary safety training, many women report they join a gun club or association to enhance their skills and to provide a comradere with other women gun owners. Stay safe!

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

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If Your Best Self-Defense Is A Ballpoint Pen - USE IT To Stay Alive!

Stay Aware..Stay Alert..Stay Alive - Surviving Against An Attack!

Women need to be extremely observant and vigilant about their personal safety! It’s too bad that our society has gone in that direction - but unfortunately it has. You don’t have to become paranoid about your personal safety - just make safety a habit. When you do that you become more observant of your surroundings, your situations, and the people who are in your space.

An article was sent to me by my good friend, Melissa Soalt aka Dr. Ruthless right before our radio interview (Lets Talk Home Security) on Friday, 9-11-09. It was about a young woman in Chicago who foiled an abduction attempt in the Back of the Yards neighborhood by stabbing her male attacker with a ballpoint pen. The two men are being sought in the incident authorities said on Friday, 9-11-09.

NOTE: If physically attacked, use whatever you can to fight off the attacker. Kick to the groin, yell as loud as you can to try and attract attention, stomp his shins, the top of his foot, use a ballpoint pen - whatever you can that will help save your life! As Dr. Ruthless says - "Go ballistic on the attacker - he’s probably not going to expect it so when you surprise him like that, he’s probably going to be caught off guard!"

At about 11:30 a.m. on September 3, two suspects were parked in a two-door white panel van near the woman’s home. The driver stayed in the van while the other guy exited the vehicle and grabbed the 18-year old woman from behind and placed her in a chokehold, authorities said.

Note: First, be observant if you see two guys sitting in a van especially if they look out-of-place. If you are grabbed and forced into a vehicle, fight with everything you have because the second location you will be taken to will not be a good thing. As Dr. Ruthless explains, the second location is always more dangerous! Criminals have far more control over you at that location. Go ballistic but do not "go with!" Many women who have gone with their attackers have not been seen since!!

The man then tried to drag the woman toward the van, but she stabbed him in the neck with a ballpoint pen before getting away authorities said. Let’s hope they find these criminals and stick it to them. They need to be off the streets ASAP so other women aren’t in jeopardy of being attacked. The next victim may not be so lucky!

My recommendation for women is to learn how to protect yourself as part of your overall personal safety. Take a self-defense class and make it part of your personal protection/safety awareness. Be in charge of your life’s outcome. Don’t let some punk off the street decide that today your life ends!!

Dr. Ruthless has a great DVD Self-Defense Program called "Fierce & Female." This is a program you can use at home at your convenience. If you are in a high risk job, live a single life, and are female - that just about says it all! As a female, look at making self-defense training and protection a part of your life. By learning the self-defense techniques and strategies from Fierce & Female it could help save your life!!

Remember, Stay Aware…Stay Alert…Stay Alive!!

For all your Personal Protection products - like Pepper Spray, Mace, TASER C2’s, Stun Guns - Go to: www.ThePersonalSecurityStore.com

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Dr. Ruthless-Fierce, Female, Self-Defense Expert-On LTHS Radio Friday 9-11-09

Cheryl Watterson, Radio Host, will interview Melissa Soalt aka Dr. Ruthless on the internet radio show Lets Talk Home Security - Friday, September 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.EDT/7:00 a.m. PDT. Be sure to pencil in the date, time, and call-in number (646) 727-3396. You can also listen online @ www.blogtalkradio.com/letstalkhomesecurity.

I am excited to have Melissa aka Dr. Ruthless on the show to discuss how important it is to make women and men’s self-defense and personal safety awareness a high priority. We can’t reiterate enough the importance as we constantly see in the daily news personal assaults, attacks, abductions, and kidnappings against women.

Let’s face it women are the ones mostly under attack by these predators!! That doesn’t mean men aren’t attacked but they aren’t the ones making the nightly news. After seeing Melissa’s awesome videos I just know she’s going to have some great self-defense tips and valuable information for everyone who listens in.

WATCH HER VIDEO TO THE RIGHT UNDER FEATURED VIDEOS

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW W/DR. RUTHLESS - GO TO BTR RADIO WIDGET @ TOP UNDER FIERCE, FEMALE, & FIGHTING BACK

Melissa Soalt aka Dr. Ruthless is an award winning women’s self-defense expert specializing in practical and full-force, scenario-based training methods. She is a Black Belt Hall of Fame Recipient and Woman of the Year, voted "Best Women’s Self Defense" 2008. Since 1986 Melissa has taught thousands of women how to protect themselves from danger and when all else fails, fight back to escape and survive.

A former psychotherapist who has successfully staved off physical attacks, Melissa has been featured on NBC Nightly News and in SELF, Woman’s Day, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek Japan and India’s national newspaper, THE HINDU. She has published numerous articles and is working on a book.

In her acclaimed Fierce and Female DVD, Melissa teaches women how to remain focused and unleash a ferocious (and uncomplicated) counterattack to repel sexual and physical attacks.

Melissa is based in New England, but with a mobile operation, she conducts on-site seminars for groups, companies, organizations and schools. For more information and to preview her methods, visit her website at: www.dr-ruthless.com.

With that type of self-defense background you know the show is going to be packed full of outstanding information.

Be sure to join the conversation with Melissa Soalt aka Dr. Ruthless on Lets Talk Home Security, Friday, 9-11-09 at 10:00 a.m. EDT/7:00 a.m. PDT at (646) 727-3396 or online at www.blogtalkradio.com/letstalkhomesecurity.com.

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Real Estate Agent Safety & Self-Defense Awareness

The Real Estate Professional has a riskier job than one might imagine. Everyday real estate agents are meeting with complete strangers to look at a vacant property or home and are usually meeting alone with the client.

Because of the high number of violent attacks, assaults, and murders of women and men in the real estate profession, the National Association of Realtors has made safety and security programs available to members throughout the U.S.

They realized the dangers that these professionals deal with unwittingly each day. Attending a self-defense class or a real estate agent safety awareness seminar can remind professionals of things they should be aware of each time they meet with new clients. When you follow the personal safety rules and guidelines for your industry, you make yourself less likely to become a victim of a violent criminal attack.

Many criminals view real estate professionals as "easy prey" because they are usually meeting with women agents — alone - in a vacant or unoccupied location or home. The agent views the meeting with the prospect as a way to sell a home while the criminal prospect may have other motives.

If an attack is part of the criminal’s plan, he will most likely have the upper hand knowing when his imminent attack is coming. The agent on the other agent may have a proactive safety plan in place should something like that happen. That plan should include being a student of a self-defense training program or a safety awareness class which stresses the importance of always being aware and alert to the surroundings and individuals you are working with at all times.

As a real estate agent in a high risk job your personal safety and security should be a #1 priority. Keep in mind and follow the rules and guidelines that the NAR has set up. Don’t let a potential client steer you from doing what you know is right. Follow proper guidelines — such as meeting the client first in your office and completing necessary paperwork. If the client persists that they can’t do that, find another way to meet the person in a safe environment.

When meeting with a client to show a home or when hosting an open house, always let your client lead the way as you follow. Keep some distance as you move with the client throughout the home or property and know where they are at all times. When you first enter a property, find out where each entry and exit doors are located. Have an escape route if you need it. If your gut instincts tell you something is wrong, be sure to listen and wrap the meeting up immediately. Read more

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