Precautions Against Carjacking

Hey, Kombat Arts family! This monthly check-in unfortunately won't be spotlighting one of our phenomenal martial arts programs. Instead we have to talk about something serious that has been affecting Mississauga and the Toronto area: carjacking. There has been a spike in crime around Mississauga and Toronto, particularly with carjackings with numerous people being robbed at gunpoint. It's gotten many of our students worried, so we wanted to detail some precautions you should take against carjackings. Be sure to read all of these tips below to make yourself safer out there.

Maple Leafs Forward Carjacked

If you don't think you could ever be a victim of a carjacking, think again. You probably read about Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner being carjacked earlier this year. Three thieves armed with guns and knives robbed Marner outside of a movie theater. Stealing his Range Rover and belongings. The event left Marner shaken and is a reminder that anyone can be a target.

Precautions Against Carjackings

Carjackings are a horrible experience that we hope never happens to you. When you're out, please take these precautions to make yourself more aware and safer.

Know the Area

When you go out, you should go to an area that you’re familiar with. That way, you’ll know what places to avoid, where you have a higher chance of running into trouble. Even if you’re going to an area that you’re not familiar with, you should do research before going. Go online and see if the area is safe and look for any high risk places that you should avoid.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Just like you’re taught at Kombat Arts, you should always be aware of your surroundings when you go out. Always look for possible danger by scanning the area to see if there are any red flags around you. Doing this will make you better prepared if you have to deal with a carjacking or robbery situation.

Park in a Lit Area

When going out at night, always park in a well-lit area. By parking in a well-lit area, you'll be able to clearly see your surroundings and any suspicious people. Carjackers will be less likely to attack if you can see them coming.

Park in a Populated Area

Along with parking in a well-lit area, you should also park in a densely populated area. Carjackers and thieves usually pick out their targets when they’re isolated and away from other people. When there’s a lot of people in one area, it makes it harder for them to pick out a target. The chance of you getting carjacked will go down significantly.

Look for Suspicious People

While you’re scanning your surroundings, you should also be on the lookout for suspicious people: shady characters randomly strolling around a parking lot aimlessly or just standing in front of stores looking around. They may not be thieves, but you always have to stay on your toes and be aware of any threat.

Keep Car Locked

If you’re going to sit in your car in your driveway or public parking lot, please keep your doors locked. This is something many carjackers look for when looking for a target. They won’t be able to open the door and pull you out of your car. It will also give you a chance to quickly drive away from the situation.

Keep Windows Closed

Not only should you keep your doors locked, but never keep your windows down. An open car window makes it even easier for a carjacker to not only steal your car, but potentially hurt you.

Always Have Your Phone Handy

You probably already have your phone on you most of the time, which is a good thing in a carjacking situation. As soon as you’re carjacked, you must quickly call for help. Quickly call the police, give them all of the information on your car, and the description of the thieves. The police will be able to assist you quicker and maybe even get your car back.

Install a Tracker

If you ever have the misfortune of being carjacked, there is one big precaution that you can take. That is to install a tracker on your car, so police can find your car quicker after a robbery. Thieves usually sell stolen cars to chop shops, so you only have a certain window of time to find your car.

Common Questions about Defending Yourself During a Carjacking

Many people often ask questions about what they should do if they’re ever carjacked. Here are three of the most commonly asked questions about carjackings.

Should I Fight the Carjacker?

Absolutely not. A carjacker will more than likely be armed with a gun or knife. There can even be multiple armed robbers that confront you. These thieves will already have the drop on you with their weapons out ready to use them. You’re more likely to lose your life and your car than beating the thieves. However this might change if you have loved ones still in the vehicle. Verbal de-escalation is the best option.

Should I Carry a Weapon?

This is one of the big questions that many answer about how to defend against carjackings. Unfortunately in Canada, the gun and weapons laws are very strict. Even if you’re able to defend yourself with a gun, you will also be facing criminal charges from the police. It isn’t fair, but it’s better not to have a gun and be at risk of being arrested and charged.

What Should I Do When Carjacked?

The best thing you can do when being carjacked is to listen to the thief and do what they say. A car can be replaced, but your life cannot. That is why you should give them what they want to avoid risking your life. Again, this might change if you have loved ones involved. Remember to try and stay relatively calm, use your communication skills, remove your loved ones from danger and be a good witness.

Be Safe Out There!

The best thing we can tell you is to be safe out there and take any precaution you can protect yourself. We love Mississauga, but anything can happen, including a carjacking. Be safe out there and we’ll see you in the gym!

Precautions Against Carjacking

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