Carjacking can happen quickly and often when a driver is distracted, slowing down, or stopped. While no one expects to become the victim of a crime, staying alert and thinking ahead can help reduce risk and improve personal safety. The Chicago Police Department’s prevention guidance emphasizes awareness, preparation, and knowing how to respond if a carjacking happens.
Certain locations can make it easier for offenders to approach a vehicle. Drivers should be especially aware in places where they are getting in or out of their car, or where traffic forces them to stop or slow down. These locations include residential driveways, parking lots and garages, gas stations, ATMs, and intersections with stop lights.
The key takeaway is simple: anytime your vehicle is stationary or your attention is divided, your vulnerability can increase. That is why awareness before entering your vehicle and while driving is so important.
Carjacking prevention starts with everyday habits. We advise drivers to always be aware of their surroundings, enter their vehicle, lock the doors immediately, and drive away without unnecessary delay. It also recommends looking around for suspicious people sitting in vehicles or loitering nearby before getting in.
Additional safety tips include:
These may sound like small steps, but together they can make you less vulnerable and give you more time to react if something feels wrong.
The Chicago Police Department highlights a couple of situations drivers should be especially cautious about. One is the “bump and run” scenario, where a vehicle rear-ends you and, when you get out to inspect damage or exchange information, someone jumps into your driver’s seat and takes your car. In that situation, the advice is to note the person’s description and call 911.
Another scenario involves an apparently stranded motorist. We advise drivers not to stop for strangers on the road. Instead, note the location and call 911 so help can be dispatched safely.
The most important message is that your life matters more than the vehicle. If you are confronted by a carjacker, give up the car and leave the scene. Avoid verbal or physical confrontation. The vehicle can be replaced — you cannot.
If possible, try to remember the suspect’s description and the description of any vehicle involved. If a child is inside the vehicle, tell the carjacker immediately that your child is in the car. Then call 911 right away and provide your location and as much detail as possible.
One additional recommendation to create a Smart911 profile and include your vehicle information. Having details already on file may help emergency responders if a situation occurs.
Preparation does not mean living in fear. It means building awareness and habits that support safer neighborhoods and safer daily routines for everyone. Safe neighborhoods are everybody’s business.
Carjacking prevention begins with awareness. By staying alert, avoiding distractions, using smart safety habits, and knowing how to respond, drivers can better protect themselves and their families. Share these tips with neighbors, friends, and family members so we can all play a part in keeping our community safer.