CARJACKERS - They have a plan.... Do You?

By Michelle Annese

Here’s the scenario…your need to get some groceries at the 24 hour convenience store a couple of blocks down in town. you know it’s late but you needed ‘get a couple of things’.

Going to the store…no problems… but it’s a habitual thing that you need to practice and start running the safety questions to yourself…

"Coming up to my vehicle, did i look around - aware of who is near it? are my keys already in my hand before leaving the store?"

"Am i talking on the cell phone …fixing my hair… counting my change… writing in the checkbook…and not paying attention?"

"Is there anyone loitering around my vehicle… if so… are they suspicious enough to making me go back into the store?"

"Is my vehicle in a well-lit area? is it easily visible to passer-bys? if i can’t see my car really well, who can? If i have automatic keyless entry, did i hit the unlock button twice … making it easy for someone to get into my passenger side door?"

"After getting in my car, did i start it quick and lock the doors?"

o.k, those are just some of the questions you should be asking yourself when leaving to and from shopping areas.

Now, when you’re driving, leave just enough room from the vehicle in front of you so you can maneuver and get around them.

This is a safety deterrent in case you are accidentally bumped in traffic. make sure you do not get out of the car immediately and survey the damage.

Instead, wave for them to follow you to a well-lit, highly populated area where you feel safe.

Do not pick the closest parking lot. it most certainly leaves you in a high risk position.

Call the police with your cell phone and stay in your vehicle until they arrive.

Do not get out of your vehicle until the local authorities have arrived. criminals interviewed say that the “bump” and grab works well with vehicles! … along with purses.

If you are confronted with an armed attacker…

Do not resist! give them your keys and/or money. do not fight, argue, or chase them - criminals interviewed say when taking a victims property… all they want is the property and a quick getaway. when victims stand in the way of that … they will use every means available to take what they want.

Never agree to be kidnapped! Drop the keys outside the vehicle, yell for help and run to safety.

Don’t believe them! remember, criminals lie! if they say you won’t be hurt … to slide over to the passenger’s side so they can drive… get out of there!

Crash it … you have insurance for a reason! you never want to listen to them and tell you where to drive. Consider colliding into a busy intersection so bystanders can come to your aide … and call the police.

and remember the biggest rule of all - most martial arts training have rules, criminals don't follow any!!! even with the most advanced training around, listen to your gut instincts, and follow those instincts, no matter how silly you might think your being.

To help those instincts along - go to http://www.michelleannese.com for more articles on safety and awareness training.

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