With carjackings on the rise in New Orleans and across the state, Attorney General Jeff Landry offers drivers 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.”
The AG’s office says according to the City Council’s Crime Dashboard, carjackings in New Orleans, have increased 120.6% compared to last year. Through the first five months of 2021, 120 incidents of carjacking were reported. That is up from the 62 during the same time period in 2020 according to the AG.
Attorney General Landry urges drivers to remain aware of their surroundings and offers the following safety tips:
Safety Tips to Avoid Carjacking:
-Approach the car with phone stored and keys in hand. Look around and inside the car before entering.
-Park in a well-lit area clearly visible to the public. If possible, keep the car in a garage and always lock the garage door to the home.
-Never leave valuables in plain sight. If possible, leave all personal property in the trunk of the car.
-Trust instincts. Lock the doors immediately upon entering the vehicle and be wary of people approaching the car.
What to do if you are a victim of carjacking:
-Make all efforts to get kid(s) out of the car. If child(ren) are in the vehicle, inform the carjacker and attempt to get kid(s) out of the car.
-Forfeit the vehicle and leave the scene.
Do not get back into the carjacked car.
-Try to escape immediately if forced into the trunk. Use inside latch to open trunk or kick through the backseat.
-Report the crime to law enforcement as soon as possible. Provide as many details as possible about the carjacker (sex, race, age, hairstyle, eye color, clothes) and any vehicles involved (color, make, model, license plate).
