Six anti-carnapping tips: better safe than sorry

A car is probably one of the most valuable possession a Filipino family or individual could ever have. A single purchase of a car could range anywhere between P100,000 for used cars to more than P1 million for brand new cars. Needless to say, losing a car could be a huge setback for anyone. Since carnapping is one of the most prominent crimes in the country, especially in Quezon City, we’ve come up with a list of simple but effective measures to prevent car thieves from stealing your vehicle. Most of these anti-carnapping tips comes directly from the Philippine National Police (PNP):  

1. Know how carnappers operate

Listening or watching the news could keep you updated to the modus operandi of carnappers. Most of the carnapping syndicates change their styles to make it harder for authorities to capture them. One of the newest carnapping modus is called “bump and ride” where car thieves would rear end a motorists vehicle, forcing the passenger/s to exit the vehicle. The carnappers would then force their way in the victim’s vehicle and quickly drive away with the stolen car. According to the PNP’s 2012 data, the following are some of the “hot” car models among carnappers: Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi L300, Honda Civic, Nissan Urvan, Isuzu Crosswind, and Hyundai Starex.   

2. Park in secure places

Always park your car in a secured places, even if it is a parking lot that requires you to pay. What is a few spare change compared to your car’s worth.  If you don’t want to spend extra, always park your car in a street where many people would pass by. Parking your car on the dark, empty streets is one way to attract car thieves. It would also be wise to park in an area where CCTVs are installed.

 

3. Never leave your valuables inside your car

Some thieves are not after your car, but the valuable things inside it such as gadgets, jewelry, wallet, bags, etc. Always carry your valuables with you. Another option is to hide them where they can’t easily be seen such as under the seats. Before leaving your car make sure the doors, trunk and windows are all locked.

 

4. Invest in anti-theft features

If you have a spare budget try installing some safety features in your car such as alarms, steering wheel locks, tire locks and kill switch. For total security, especially if you're driving a really expensive car, you could also install a vehicle tracking system or GPS. Branding your car’s most important parts, engine, battery, trunk door, windscreen glass with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) would make it harder for carnappers to sold your car’s parts. 

 

5. Always be on alert

Be wary of your surroundings, especially when getting to your car. Never be too confident that you won’t get robbed in your favorite parking space. Look for suspicious individuals and anything out of the ordinary. Be vigilant and observant. It would also be useful to drive in the center lane to make it harder for carjackers to approach your car from the pedestrian’s lane.  

6. If seriously threatened, give up your car

If the carnapper points a gun or knife on you and threatens to take your life, give up your car. Your life is still more valuable than your vehicle. If your car was stolen or if anyone attempts to steal your car, report the incident immediately to authorities. The easiest way to reach police authorities is to call their hotline at 117.  You can also tap the help of the Highway Patrol Group by calling (02) 726 1262.