Melina

Apparently there are several gangs in operation here in Paris who will observe your movement patterns and then appear with balaklava hats and threaten you with a knives to make you leave them the car and key. I have had one scenario at work for an Audi S4.

I am concerned and do not know what precautions to take apart from having my local police station number in my mobile.

I have thought of other options of course. What kind of exterior alterations could I do to make the car less appealing to this audience but enhance the car for the owner?

Secondly, what would you do if this threat was a reality?

chrome

fit a clifford concept 600 with BlakJax (anti car jack feature)
also a tracker is useful.

hope that helps somewhat.

Depending on the type of business and need for security; get an armed escort (ie: close protection) to accompany you. (2nd vehicle even)

Otherwise hand over the keys and watch the engine cut out down the road..

take care out there..

CupraT

What would I do in that situation? Let them have the keys and walk away.

I don't mind getting a good kicking defending my car but I would not risk getting stabbed.

I am 16+ stone, do quite a bit of powerlifting, used to box a bit, Judo black belt BUT I am not stupid.

Its just a car at the end of the day.

Luke

1. Know how to drive in a full time defensive mode...ie never get boxed in. never get close to the car in front. never open the edoor if anyone is around the car etc etc etc

2. Get out of the car showing them you have left the keys in the car. Live another day...

Melina

Thanks for these advice. I had not thought about the boxed in situation. Would you get out of the car if they hit you deliberately at the back?

The tracker and anit-Jax thing how much does this cost? Just so that I know if I am being ripped off. The garage repairer has mentioned he can do this outside the dealer at a special price (he seems decent enough).

Wuss

Two ***** already tried to steal my car while my wife and I were in it. It was a very frightening experience but having been through it, my advice is this:

Preparation:

1) Before unlocking the car, look around and check nobody is watching you.

2) Once you are in the car, lock the doors immediately - the fact that I do this every time I get into my car got me out of the sh*t when they tried to take mine.

3) Make sure you car has a Tracker fitted.

Under Attack:

1) if you are in the car, the engine is running and the doors are locked, put it in first as calmly as you can and drive away. If they have boxed you in, smash their car out of the way, if necessary - you're safety is more important than a few hundred quids worth of damage.

2) If they have surprised you and you are not locked in the car, don't do ANYTHING. Be completely cooperative, give them the keys and step back from the car. Once they have driven away call the Police and get the tracker activated. As the policeman said to me, "if they get the car and it has a tracker, the helicopter will be on top of them in five minutes and they'll be caught..."

3) Only defend yourself if it looks like they are going to give you a good kicking anyway and when you do, make as much bloody noise as possible. I used the car's horn and almost everybody in my street came out to find out what the noise was - somebody even reported ME to the police for disturbing the peace!!

Remember that their greatest weapon is 'surprise'. If you are aware of your surroundings and prepared for it, they have lost their biggest advantage.

My last point is, don't worry about it too much, it is still VERY rare and I was very unlucky.

If you want any more info give me a shout.

Wuss.

Melina

Thanks Wuss,

I am a sole lady owner and have to descend into a very narrow garage (which has three stories and loads of doors) at home every day and often late. Getting in and out takes forever (lack of spatial awareness when so narrow :-) during which I have plenty of time to think. It is a bit scary.

I think will go for the tracker solution and the antijax. The police station is 100 metres away (parallel street) and I have already shown my car to those guys alerting them. I think I should buy them beer too!

Thanks again.

Malene

yasawas

as already said, no car is worth your life.

so just to say stay safe and if you have to smash your way out, do it backwards if possible, a dent in the boot wont stop your engine working like a smashed radiator might.

good luck

johnfelstead

keep your house and car keys on seperate keyrings. If they do take your car, at least they cant drive to your house and rob that too. Plus you can get in and have a cup of tea to calm down, rather than worrying about getting the house open and locks changed.