NCJ Number
139528
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 165-168
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
To address armed carjacking, which is the latest trend among car thieves throughout the United States, law enforcement officials must become familiar with the method of operation of the offenders, their selection of victims, possible motives, and response measures.
Abstract
Carjacking is characterized by threats and intimidation and sometimes produces serious bodily injury or death of victims. In Los Angeles, 4,188 of 70,000 vehicle thefts involved the use of fear or force. Some carjackers approach victims at red lights, parking lots, or other places, while others may stage a minor vehicle accident or fake a personal injury to lure the victim to stop the vehicle. Offenders use force to rob the vehicle and often use the vehicle in other robberies. Armed carjackers usually have accomplices, who provide initial transportation to the crime scene. Several theories have been offered regarding the causes of this crime. To address the problem, law enforcement agencies should keep accurate records, maintain a modus operandi file, form a specialized task force if large numbers of carjackings occur, and advise citizens if a "bump and rob" scam has occurred.