Vehicle robbery is by no means a new crime, nor is it sweeping the nation in epidemic proportions. Vehicle owners have been victims of this crime for decades. The term “carjacking” was coined by the news media. The term has raised fear levels out of proportion with the actual probability of becoming a victim. Realistically, this is a crime of low probability, but potentially high consequences.
Being the victim of a “carjacking” can be dangerous, even deadly. Experts theorize improvements in vehicle alarm systems, locking
devices, and other anti-car theft technologies have made it more difficult to steal cars using traditional, surreptitious methods. Now suspects take the vehicle, keys, and other items of value from the victim while
the victim is present.