In case of...Carjacking


Other Releases
Washington, DC

These recommendations may not apply to your post or situation; please review these suggestions with your local Regional Security Officer or other expert in security. 

Recently at one post an embassy employee was driving alone in his personally owned vehicle when an oncoming vehicle blocked his path. Four men, at least one of whom was armed with a pistol, robbed him of cash, cell phones and personal items. The gunmen proceeded to drive him around for about 40 minutes, finally releasing him unharmed, with his vehicle. He then drove his vehicle back to the carjacking location, where he was met by Diplomatic Police and a Mobile Response Team.

The employee stayed calm and maintained a dialog with his captors during the ordeal. While driving him around, the criminals asked him who he worked for, where he lived and, after they saw his credit cards, they wanted to know his PIN numbers. He explained that he worked for the Embassy and did all of his banking there, and that his credit cards did not have PIN numbers. Additionally, he was able to talk the culprits out of going to his home.

The Embassy employee was able to remain calm and keep his wits about him. He engaged the carjackers in conversation immediately and continued to talk to them, offering all of his items of value, and communicated his willingness to comply immediately with their demands.

If you are ever in a similar situation and the criminals want to go to your house, it may help to tell them you live in a large housing compound guarded by security guards and police, or something similar to dissuade the criminals from going to your home.

In addition, avoid routinely carrying credit cards or ATM cards. Only carry them when you have a specific need, and then only carry the one(s) you need.

Remaining calm and letting the carjackers know you will comply with their demands and showing your willingness to give them all of your items of value is imperative. Walk the criminals through the process by “helping them rob you”. Tell them what you are doing, what you are giving them and that they are in-charge. Keep talking to them, listen to their instructions, and comply immediately and fully.

By you talking and informing the criminals that you are going to comply, they will know that they are in charge, which will lower their anxiety level. At the same time, your talking will help you to remain calm and keep your wits about you.

Remember, be willing to give up your valuables immediately, they are not worth your life.

 



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