Carjacking - stealing a car by force - has captured headlines across the country. Statistically your chances of being a carjacking victim in Fairfax County are very slim, and preventive actions you take can reduce your risk even more.

REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF BEING CARJACKED

Getting In

Walk with purpose and stay alert. Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.

On the Road

Keep you doors locked and windows rolled up, no matter how short the distance or how safe the area.

Look around, especially at places where you slow down or stop, such as garages and parking lots, intersections, self-serve gas stations and car washes, highway entry and exit ramps, and ATMs.

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.

Avoid driving alone. Travel with someone if possible, especially at night.

Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car is broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police to help. Even better, have a cell phone handy to call for assistance.

Getting Out

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 them in the trunk or out of sight.

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 as quickly as possible.
• Tell the police immediately.

For more information contact your Police District Station Crime Prevention Officer at the telephone number or address available by clicking here.

WHY CARJACKING?

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 in another crime.

For some young people, carjacking may be a rite of passage, a status symbol, or just a thrill.

Cars, especially luxury models, provide quick cash for drug users and other criminals.

Sophisticated alarms and improved locking devices make it harder for thieves to steal unoccupied cars.

It's easy to buy, steal, or barter for guns in this country. And a pointed gun makes a powerful threat.

More teens and adults commit crimes of violence than ever before.

Intense media interest may have created "copycat" carjackers.

Mount Vernon District Station
703-360-8400
2511 Parkers Lane

McLean District Station
703-556-7750
1437 Balls Hill Road

Mason District Station
703-256-8035
6507 Columbia Pike

Reston District Station
703-478-0904
12000 Bowman Towne Drive

Franconia District Station
703-922-0889
6121 Franconia Road

West Springfield District Station
703-644-7377
6140 Rolling Road

Fair Oaks District Station
703-591-0966
12300 Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway

Sully District Station
703-814-7000
4900 StoneCroft Boulevard

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