Posted by Ernest_CT on 3/28/05 9:38pm
Msg #28129

Off Topic: New carjacking technique

You're in a shopping center / mall parking lot. You look inside your car (nobody hiding), unlock your doors, get in, lock your doors, start your engine, and check your rear-view mirror. Oh, oh. There's a paper or something on the outside of the back windshield. You shift into park, unlock the door, and get out to remove the paper. You get to the back of your car and the carjacker jumps in and drives away in your car, nearly knocking you over.

Oh, did I forget to mention: The thief has all your keys. From the registration (or your purse or ...) the thief also has your address.

Solution: Just drive away with the paper still in place.

Reply by missy_socal on 3/28/05 9:56pm
Msg #28133

This is actually one of those email urban legends that have been going around for a while.

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/carjack.asp

Snopes is a really good site for that sort of thing.

Obviously there's nothing wrong with being cautious...especially in parking garages! I'm always aware of my surroundings, keys in hand, etc.

Reply by Ernest_CT on 3/28/05 11:11pm
Msg #28138

Thank you!

The story met my criteria for believability: It takes no special preparation or equipment, just putting a random flyer on a windshield; it relies on human nature, even bypassing normal cautions; if the ruse fails, there is nothing incriminating left behind.

Reply by missy_socal on 3/29/05 1:10am
Msg #28149

Oh, a lot of those seem very plausible! They probably do more good than harm, really, if the stories remind you to be extra cautious in those circumstances.

I just seem to get a million of those emails weekly (primarily from my Mother in law, and sister).

~Melissa

Reply by Sue/AZ on 3/29/05 8:00am
Msg #28167

Here is AZ a demonstration was done on TV. We have a lot of carjackings and theft of vehicles not that AZ has been renamed as East LA. Unfortunatly we now live in a world that we must be cautious. You just never know who is lerking around. Look at the little girl killed in Florida, life has now become sad.

Reply by Charm_AL on 3/29/05 10:22am
Msg #28190

sigh...

I remember the good old days where you could leave your car running when you paid for your gas, and leaving doors unlocked, garage doors open... Now, even though we live in a nice area, you just never know.

Reply by L.A.NSA on 3/29/05 2:00pm
Msg #28250

Car Stolen From Upscale Garage!

You are so right about never "knowing." In my neighborhood the max cars stolen a month is 5. The police felt it was a crime of "opportunity." Meaning someone who was "watching" and knew of my whereabouts. Now I use the Club, always use the ER brake and turn the wheel. Charming, isn't it?