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■ Regardless of the sort of crime and the criminal’s intentions, the situation is an explosive one in which you both have one thing in mind: survival.
■ Hijacking involves planning and the criminals are likely to have more experience in such situations, thus more control over you and themselves.
■ A hijacking is usually over in a matter of seconds or minutes but it is one of the most frightening experiences one can go through. Try your utmost to stay calm. Listen to the hijackers and do as they tell you and you have a greater chance of surviving.
During a hijacking:
■ Here are some tips on getting through the ordeal alive:
■ Your life and those with you must be your priority. Resisting the hijackers may cause then to become violent or even deadly. Remember: possessions can be replaced, a life cannot.
■ The hijackers are probably just as scared and nervous as you are. They may even be under the influence of drugs or alcohol which may make their actions even more unpredictable.
■ Try not to panic and do anything the hijackers may not be expecting. Do not scream or make sudden movements, such as motioning with your hands.
■ Avoid eye contact with them,
■ Keep your hands where the hijackers can see them, ideally at chest level. This will assure them that you are not reaching for a weapon. Do not raise your hands above your head as they may think you are attracting attention of other people.
■ If they order you out of the car wait for them to open the door or, if they order you to, do it slowly with one hand, keeping the other where they can see it, Also undo your seatbelt with one hand, preferably the hand furthest from the clip by extending your arm over your body (if it is on your left, use your right hand).
■ Slowly move away from the car so that you cannot be perceived as a threat to them.
■ Listen carefully to and make sure you understand what the hijackers are saying and follow their orders.
■ Quietly but clearly assure the hijackers that they can take the car.
■ Do not reach for or motion towards items they may demand such as wallets, briefcases and cell phones. Rather tell them where they are and wait for them to get them themselves or they may tell you to hand them over.
■ Be honest with hijackers. For example, if you have a firearm on you and they ask, tell them you have. Finding out or suspecting you have lied to them may unsettle them and lead to them becoming violent. Tell them honestly how to deactivate any alarms or immobilisers or do it yourself as ordered.
■ Try and concentrate on the possibility of later identifying the hijackers. Make mental notes of how many there are, what they are wearing, their ages, and any facial or other physical characteristics. However, do not stare at the hijackers; try not to be obvious. To them this means that you will later be able to identify them and be evidence against them and they could become violent or be less hesitant to leave soon.
■ Hijackers may not notice a sleeping baby in the back seat. If this is the case, tell them and point out that the child is not a threat and will make things more difficult for them. Never move to release the child without them saying you may. Do the same if a pet is in the car but do not push the point to where your life may be threatened at the expense of an animal.
■ If ordered to lie down, do so and remain there with your head down, do so and remain there with your head down. Do not watch them. Stay still until you are sure they have left and only then go for help.
■ The hijackers may drive off with you or you may even be ordered to drive. If you are driving, do so responsibly and do not do anything out of the ordinary. Always remain quiet unless you need to reply to a question or clarify an order. Remember to be honest with them.
■ Once you have been released make sure that you are out of harm’s reach before moving to get help.
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