Avoid the carjacking trend

1. Are your Company Cars being
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Carjacked right now? - Do you really know?
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‘Company Vehicle Security
pany Security’
If your staff use company vehicles in the course of their duties; they need to be aware
of and practice some simple security procedures that will help to protect them and
company property. Security issues can frequently arise when using a company
vehicle, particularly when stock is being carried.
These simple procedures can significantly decrease security incidents, reduce
downtime, and help avoid losses.
Company vehicles usually have signage and are therefore easily recognisable as a
potential target for criminals. When your employees are carrying any company
property or assets in the vehicle such as product, equipment or even intellectual
property there are a few simple measures to routinely follow:
1. Always cover any items that are to remain in the vehicle and in full vie of
view
the windows. And this even includes any items belonging to the driver - for
example, books, shopping, money, sunglasses or shopping bags. The rule is do
not leave anything in view that could be of interest to anyone.
2. The best advice is to travel with any items of value such as laptops, money,
jewellery, confidential information and sensitive files where they are hidden
from view inside the boot or trunk.
3. If you have items that need to be removed and put back in at various times or
locations, keep a log or an inventory of what goes in and what goes out.
log
4. When retrieving items from the vehicle, check out your surroundings first to
ensure that no one has followed you or is watching you. If someone has just
suddenly appeared as you are about to do this it would be wise to lock the
would
vehicle and wait before getting out until you are sure of their intent.
Carjacking
No matter where you live, there are increasing instances of carjacking and theft and a
company vehicle is more likely to be targeted than a private vehicle. The personal

2. safety of an employee is paramount and the contents of the vehicle may be of high
value. It is vital for everyone to understand some of the circumstances as to how this
can happen, how to prevent it from happening and how to deal with such a crime.
Never assume it will never happen to you! If you ignore the potential dangers of car
jacking you become a more inviting target for thieves than someone who is aware and
takes greater security precautions. Those people who are security conscious are less
likely to become victims; they are less fearful and they live their lives with greater
confidence.
A few basic rules that need to be taken into account
1. Make sure the company car is properly maintained and serviced, the tires have
plenty of tread, spare tire is serviceable, and you know how to change it.
Being stuck on the side of a road at night waiting for someone to attend can be
dangerous and frightening.
2. Always make sure you have at least half a tank of fuel.
3. Make sure that you have a mobile phone with police and emergency numbers
programmed into the speed dial, and ensure that the phone has a car charger.
4. Carry a torch and spare battery in the car.
5. Have a GPS and a street directory/manual map in the car.
6. Never ever pick up hitchhikers. If you have the natural instincts of a good
Samaritan, and you believe that someone may need assistance but you feel that
the situation has security concerns to yourself, call the emergency number
with your mobile phone. Find a safe place where you can watch and record
what is happening so that this can be given to the relevant authorities.
7. When parking anywhere, ensure that you leave your vehicle under a light or
near adequate lighting. If walking to and from the car, ensure that the path is
well lit all the way.
8. When walking to the car, always have your keys in your hand, and the thumb
near the ‘horn’ button – if you have one. If you don’t have one, then consider a
personal alarm.
9. If you think that you are being followed, don't speed, don’t go down lonely
dark side streets to avoid the following vehicle, and don’t drive home. Drive to
your nearest police station, hospital, or fire station. Stay in your car, sound the
horn, and call the police (if someone has followed you to that location, and
you feel that you cannot leave the car safely)
10. When driving in city streets and built up areas, keep your doors locked and
windows closed, especially at night and when you stop.
11. Never take the same route at exactly the same time each day.
12. When driving behind other cars, leave a good gap between your car and the
vehicle ahead. This ensures that you can go around the car if necessary when
travelling, or when stopped at lights. Never hem yourself in, always have a
way out.
13. Keep your car keys separate from other keys. If you do lose your car to any
car-jacking, you won’t lose your other keys as well.
14. When getting out of the car, always ‘turn and face’. This means step from the
car and immediately face outward and towards the rear of the car. Following
this basic rule means that you can gain a quick and thorough impression of the
area around the car, and it ensures that you are not getting out with your back

3. to the world as you get ready to lock the door. The other advantage is that you
can deal with any potentially threatening situation much more effectively, as
you are physically in a better stance and position.
15. If walking, as you approach, look underneath you car from a distance, and if
possible, look around your car. Look into your back seats and luggage area
before getting in. Go with your 'gut' instincts – if in doubt, don’t open your car
door. Walk back and ask for help.
16. When in your car close and lock the doors first, and then do all the
preparations for driving.
If you are a victim of a carjacking
• Remain as calm as you possibly can. This can be difficult, but it will also help
calm your family, and the attackers.
• Show your hands.
• Comply and cooperate with their requests.
• Advise the perpetrators that you are going to get your family out. This must be
requested and done quickly.
• Do not attempt to be a hero. You not only have your own safety but your
family's safety to consider.
Contact Foresight Security Planning now 9250 4182