Carjacking and vehicle theft incidents causing concern among El Paso community
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- With a recent rise in reports of carjackings and vehicle theft incidents in the past week, concern is growing among the El Paso community.
This past week, an incident involving an alleged carjacking resulted in a S.W.A.T. situation after a man barricaded himself inside a home on Honey Point Drive.
Now ABC-7 is speaking with experts to bring you advice on what to do if you're caught in a carjacking attempt.
Watch our evening newscasts to learn more.
In speaking with Ryan Urrutia, Commander for the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, he says carjackings and vehicle theft incidents are crimes of opportunity.
To avoid your vehicle being stolen, Urrutia recommends to remember to lock your door and avoid leaving any belongings of value in plain sight.
In asking specifically about carjackings, Urrutia told ABC-7 that it's important for individuals to remove themselves and other passengers from the vehicle, and avoid resisting.
“It's always a danger because that person's intent is to take your property and can be too intent to hurt you. And if you've got family members with you, young children, you're placing them in a higher risk of danger. Just remove everybody from the situation. Like I said, your car can be replaced. You cannot be replaced to your family,” said Commander Urrutia.
