Wednesday, Feb 26, 2020 | View in browser
Evanston Police Provide Tips Regarding Vehicular Hijacking Prevention and Reporting
 EVANSTON, IL - The Evanston Police Department continues to investigate a vehicular hijacking incident that occurred in Evanston in the 2200 block of Howard Street on February 2, 2020. In that incident, the victim was sitting in their car in a parking lot, when approached by an unknown subject. The subject opened the victim's driver's side door and physically removed the victim from the car forcibly taking the victims car keys and phone. The offender then exited the parking lot and fled west on Howard Street.
A person commits vehicular hijacking when he or she knowingly takes a motor vehicle from the person or the immediate presence of another by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. The Evanston Police Department would like to share some prevention tips, that could make a person a less desirable target for a vehicular hijacking.
- Keep your doors locked and your vehicle windows up.
- Keep your car radio and other audio devices low.
- Avoid parking in remote areas.
- Stay alert, avoid being in a distracting phone conversation or texting.
- Keep your cell phone accessible in the event you need to call 911.
These tips are good advice when parked in and out of traffic. If you're in a situation where your vehicle is being demanded by force or threat of force, give the vehicle up. Know your license plate and vehicle identifiers, take photo's of your vehicle and plate with your phone. If your vehicle has a tracking device, please remember to tell officers as soon as they respond.
If you see suspicious activity report it to the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000. If you are witnessing an in progress crime or emergency call 911.
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Media Relations: Commander Brian Henry
bhenry@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-866-5026
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