Winnipeg Police are advising drivers that there are things they can do to help avoid carjackings.

Carjackings are a crime of opportunity and are on the rise in the city. They can happen anywhere and at any time of day or night but are more likely to occur in high crime areas, intersections where you are required to stop, isolated areas in parking lots, residential driverways and gates and during traffic jams or traffic congestion.

Winnipeg Police say that there are a number of things you can do that can help reduce your risk of being carjacked such as:

• Stay alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock your car doors as soon as you get in and keep windows up when driving.
• Don’t give rides to strangers.
• Avoid driving alone, especially at night, and drive in well-lit areas and main roads.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• When doing deliveries, shut the car off and lock the doors.
• When stopped at a traffic light, leave enough space between vehicles to allow you to manoeuvre around vehicles.
• If you are meeting someone new through social networking, dating or a buy-and-sell site, make a point of meeting them in a public place where other people are around. You leave yourself and your property at risk, meeting someone new in your vehicle.

One thing that police say is important to remember is that your life is worth more than a vehicle. Don’t fight or struggle with a carjacker. Get away as fast as you can and call 911.

© News4.ca 2022