BATON ROUGE, LA –
Motor vehicles are the primary mode of transportation for many Louisiana
citizens, and they are often essential parts of our lives. With carjacking
rates on the rise, Attorney General Jeff Landry is warning the millions of
drivers in Louisiana and offering them tips to increase their safety and
awareness.
“Crime is on the rise and carjackings are plaguing our
State,” said Attorney General Jeff Landry. “All drivers here must remain
vigilant in protecting our families and personal belongings.”
In New Orleans, according to the City Council’s Crime
Dashboard, carjacking has increased 120.6% compared to last year. Through the
first five months of 2021, 120 incidents of carjacking were reported – up from
the 62 during the same time period in 2020.
This spike in New Orleans follows an average increase of
carjackings in communities throughout our state and across our nation. Attorney
General Landry urges drivers to remain aware of their surroundings and offers
the following safety tips:
- Approach
car with phone stored and keys in hand. Look around and inside the car before entering.
- Park
in well-lit areas clearly visible to public. If possible, keep car in garage and always lock the
garage door to home.
- Never
leave valuables in plain sight.
If possible, leave all personal property in the trunk of car.
- Trust
instincts. Lock the
doors immediately upon entering vehicle and be wary of people approaching
car.
Additionally, Attorney
General Landry encourages drivers to take the following actions if they are
victimized by carjacking:
- Make
all efforts to get kid(s) out of car. If child(ren) in vehicle, inform the carjacker and
attempt to get kid(s) out of car.
- Forfeit
the vehicle and leave the scene.
Do not get back into the carjacked car.
- Try
to escape immediately if forced in trunk. Use inside latch to open trunk or kick through
backseat.
Report the crime to law
enforcement as soon as possible. Provide as many details as possible about the carjacker (sex, race,
age, hair style, eye color, clothes) and any vehicles involved (color, make,
model, license plate).