Nuclear Meltdown in Japan: What's the Risk of Radiation?
FAQ ON RADIATION RISK FROM TSUNAMI-DAMAGED NUCLEAR PLANTS
WebMD Medical News
By Daniel J. DeNoon
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
March 14, 2011 -- Among the casualties of Japan's earthquake/tsunami disaster were several nuclear power plants. Damage and failed cooling systems have raised the fears of a meltdown happening.
There's hope that a major nuclear disaster can be averted. But what are the risks from the radiation that already has been released -- and from the radiation that could be released if containment efforts fail?
Here's WebMD's FAQ.
What does it mean for a nuclear energy plant to melt down?
"Meltdown" is not a technical term, but it vividly describes the worst-case scenario for a nuclear reactor.
Nuclear reactors generate power via controlled nuclear fission, which occurs when enough radioactive material is gathered into a critical mass. Control rods can separate the radioactive material, thus ending the nuclear reaction.
That's exactly what happened when the March 11 earthquake hit Japan. Control rods effectively halted the nuclear reactions.
This means there is no danger of a nuclear blast from Japan's damaged nuclear plants.
But the nuclear materials inside the reactors remain radioactive -- which means they give off a great deal of heat. It takes days to cool these materials down.
If not cooled, these materials will melt. In a worst-case scenario, they could possibly melt right through the thick metal shield that contains the reactor, spilling highly radioactive materials into the environment.
When the tsunami hit Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, three reactors lost power. That meant serious trouble, as the pumps needed to cool the overheated reactors with water stopped running when their battery backups were exhausted.
Nuclear reactors have two main containers that keep radioactive materials from spreading outside the plant. One container is the thick-walled building surrounding each reactor. The other is a thick metal vessel that makes up the outer wall of the reactor itself.
As water cools the fuel rods in the innermost container, steam is created. The intense heat also releases hydrogen from the water. If the pressure inside the container gets too high, the steam has to be vented. This releases some radioactivity. It also releases hydrogen, which can build up inside the building.
At least two of the three buildings housing the Fukushima reactors had hydrogen explosions. One, on March 14, injured 11 workers and could be felt for miles. However, the internal containment walls appear to remain intact.
How much radiation has escaped Japan's damaged nuclear plants?
One of the emergency measures being taken to prevent a meltdown is the release of steam from the reactors. This means some radiation is released into the environment.
Japan's nuclear energy agency reports that measures of radiation outside the plant are higher than legal limits, but that they were not dangerously high as of March 14.
Nevertheless, officials have evacuated all residents living within 20 kilometers (about 12.5 miles) of the plant.
If the Japanese nuclear reactors melt down, how dangerous would it be?
Some of the workers trying to prevent a meltdown have already suffered radiation sickness and injury from explosions related to hydrogen buildup outside the reactor core.
"The scariest outcome from such releases of radiation are the immediate effects, which are going to be only felt by personnel who have to go into the building and shut it down," radiation biologist Jacqueline P. Williams, PhD, tells WebMD. Williams is a researcher in the department of radiation oncology at the University of Rochester, N.Y.
The long-term effects of radiation exposure, Williams says, are the various cancers that can occur.
The most cancers most commonly associated with radiation are leukemia and cancers of the thyroid, lung, and breast.
The worst nuclear disaster ever was in 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in northern Ukraine. This wasn't the same kind of disaster as in Japan, as it was caused by a series of human and mechanical failures. The result was a series of explosions that shot a plume of radioactive materials into the air.
Fallout from Chernobyl fell heavily on Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Bulgaria.
"The Chernobyl cloud technically covered a huge area. It did follow the jet stream and everything else," Williams says. "But radioactive particles have substance, they have weight. The bigger the particle, the quicker it falls out of the cloud. So the contamination area where you have risks from contamination are relatively close to the disaster site. As far as I am aware, the cancers from Chernobyl radiation occurred in and around Chernobyl itself."
However, radioactive iodine from the Chernobyl cloud fell on fields where it was absorbed by grass, eaten by cows, and drunk as milk by children. Until 1998, there was a significant increase in thyroid cancer among children in the affected areas.
A meltdown in Japan would be devastating to the local environment. Should there be a release of radiation, and should winds blow in the wrong direction, residents of Japan would be affected to some degree. But the effects almost certainly will not go far beyond the borders of Japan.
Could radiation from Japan's nuclear plants affect the U.S.?
No radiation from the Japan disaster is expected to hit the U.S., say experts from the Oregon State University department of radiation health physics.
"Any radioactive contaminants released will end up raining out of the atmosphere into the Pacific Ocean, where they will be diluted and absorbed, or in the very near vicinity of the plants," Kathryn Higley, PhD, says in a news release. "This is not Chernobyl."
Who is most at risk from radiation exposure?
Radiation risks are different for people at different stages of life:
§ Radiation has harmful effects on child development.
§ Radiation can induce cancers that appear years after an adult is exposed.
§ Elderly people's cells may have reduced ability to repair damage from radiation.
"Radiation research worldwide has been very much in decline, and has only received a little boost since 9/11," Williams says. "In the past 10 to 20 years research has focused on medical radiation therapy and not on accidental or incidental exposure."
According to Lisandro Irizarry, MD, chair of emergency medicine at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York, symptoms of acute radiation poisoning are nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include fever, dizziness, disorientation, and bloody diarrhea. Symptom onset is quickest with the greatest radiation exposure.
What is the best way to prevent radiation exposure?
In the event of a nuclear accident, people living near nuclear power plants generally are provided with potassium iodine pills. That's because radiation leaks tend to carry radioactive iodine. The pills load the thyroid gland with iodine and prevent uptake of radioactive molecules.
But the best way to prevent radiation exposure is to stay indoors, close the windows, and turn off external sources of air, such as air-conditioning, until the all-clear is given or until you can safely be evacuated from a contaminated area.
"Contamination from fallout comes from touching a contaminated surface, from it falling, from inhaling it, or ingesting it," Williams says. "So in case of an event, be sure to drink bottled water and eat only sealed food that has not been outside."
FromWeb Health
By Daniel J. DeNoon
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
March 14, 2011 -- Among the casualties of Japan's earthquake/tsunami disaster were several nuclear power plants. Damage and failed cooling systems have raised the fears of a meltdown happening.
There's hope that a major nuclear disaster can be averted. But what are the risks from the radiation that already has been released -- and from the radiation that could be released if containment efforts fail?
Here's WebMD's FAQ.
What does it mean for a nuclear energy plant to melt down?
"Meltdown" is not a technical term, but it vividly describes the worst-case scenario for a nuclear reactor.
Nuclear reactors generate power via controlled nuclear fission, which occurs when enough radioactive material is gathered into a critical mass. Control rods can separate the radioactive material, thus ending the nuclear reaction.
That's exactly what happened when the March 11 earthquake hit Japan. Control rods effectively halted the nuclear reactions.
This means there is no danger of a nuclear blast from Japan's damaged nuclear plants.
But the nuclear materials inside the reactors remain radioactive -- which means they give off a great deal of heat. It takes days to cool these materials down.
If not cooled, these materials will melt. In a worst-case scenario, they could possibly melt right through the thick metal shield that contains the reactor, spilling highly radioactive materials into the environment.
When the tsunami hit Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, three reactors lost power. That meant serious trouble, as the pumps needed to cool the overheated reactors with water stopped running when their battery backups were exhausted.
Nuclear reactors have two main containers that keep radioactive materials from spreading outside the plant. One container is the thick-walled building surrounding each reactor. The other is a thick metal vessel that makes up the outer wall of the reactor itself.
As water cools the fuel rods in the innermost container, steam is created. The intense heat also releases hydrogen from the water. If the pressure inside the container gets too high, the steam has to be vented. This releases some radioactivity. It also releases hydrogen, which can build up inside the building.
At least two of the three buildings housing the Fukushima reactors had hydrogen explosions. One, on March 14, injured 11 workers and could be felt for miles. However, the internal containment walls appear to remain intact.
How much radiation has escaped Japan's damaged nuclear plants?
One of the emergency measures being taken to prevent a meltdown is the release of steam from the reactors. This means some radiation is released into the environment.
Japan's nuclear energy agency reports that measures of radiation outside the plant are higher than legal limits, but that they were not dangerously high as of March 14.
Nevertheless, officials have evacuated all residents living within 20 kilometers (about 12.5 miles) of the plant.
If the Japanese nuclear reactors melt down, how dangerous would it be?
Some of the workers trying to prevent a meltdown have already suffered radiation sickness and injury from explosions related to hydrogen buildup outside the reactor core.
"The scariest outcome from such releases of radiation are the immediate effects, which are going to be only felt by personnel who have to go into the building and shut it down," radiation biologist Jacqueline P. Williams, PhD, tells WebMD. Williams is a researcher in the department of radiation oncology at the University of Rochester, N.Y.
The long-term effects of radiation exposure, Williams says, are the various cancers that can occur.
The most cancers most commonly associated with radiation are leukemia and cancers of the thyroid, lung, and breast.
The worst nuclear disaster ever was in 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in northern Ukraine. This wasn't the same kind of disaster as in Japan, as it was caused by a series of human and mechanical failures. The result was a series of explosions that shot a plume of radioactive materials into the air.
Fallout from Chernobyl fell heavily on Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, and Bulgaria.
"The Chernobyl cloud technically covered a huge area. It did follow the jet stream and everything else," Williams says. "But radioactive particles have substance, they have weight. The bigger the particle, the quicker it falls out of the cloud. So the contamination area where you have risks from contamination are relatively close to the disaster site. As far as I am aware, the cancers from Chernobyl radiation occurred in and around Chernobyl itself."
However, radioactive iodine from the Chernobyl cloud fell on fields where it was absorbed by grass, eaten by cows, and drunk as milk by children. Until 1998, there was a significant increase in thyroid cancer among children in the affected areas.
A meltdown in Japan would be devastating to the local environment. Should there be a release of radiation, and should winds blow in the wrong direction, residents of Japan would be affected to some degree. But the effects almost certainly will not go far beyond the borders of Japan.
Could radiation from Japan's nuclear plants affect the U.S.?
No radiation from the Japan disaster is expected to hit the U.S., say experts from the Oregon State University department of radiation health physics.
"Any radioactive contaminants released will end up raining out of the atmosphere into the Pacific Ocean, where they will be diluted and absorbed, or in the very near vicinity of the plants," Kathryn Higley, PhD, says in a news release. "This is not Chernobyl."
Who is most at risk from radiation exposure?
Radiation risks are different for people at different stages of life:
§ Radiation has harmful effects on child development.
§ Radiation can induce cancers that appear years after an adult is exposed.
§ Elderly people's cells may have reduced ability to repair damage from radiation.
"Radiation research worldwide has been very much in decline, and has only received a little boost since 9/11," Williams says. "In the past 10 to 20 years research has focused on medical radiation therapy and not on accidental or incidental exposure."
According to Lisandro Irizarry, MD, chair of emergency medicine at The Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York, symptoms of acute radiation poisoning are nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms include fever, dizziness, disorientation, and bloody diarrhea. Symptom onset is quickest with the greatest radiation exposure.
What is the best way to prevent radiation exposure?
In the event of a nuclear accident, people living near nuclear power plants generally are provided with potassium iodine pills. That's because radiation leaks tend to carry radioactive iodine. The pills load the thyroid gland with iodine and prevent uptake of radioactive molecules.
But the best way to prevent radiation exposure is to stay indoors, close the windows, and turn off external sources of air, such as air-conditioning, until the all-clear is given or until you can safely be evacuated from a contaminated area.
"Contamination from fallout comes from touching a contaminated surface, from it falling, from inhaling it, or ingesting it," Williams says. "So in case of an event, be sure to drink bottled water and eat only sealed food that has not been outside."
FromWeb Health
Radiation Effects on Humans
Radiation occurs when unstable nuclei of atoms decay and release particles. There are many different types of radiation. When these particles touch various organic material such as tissue, damage may, and probably will, be done. Radiation can cause burns, cancers, and death.
Units of Measurement
The unit used to measure radiation dosage is the rem, which stands for roentgen equivalent in man. It represents the amount of radiation needed to produce a particular amount of damage to living tissue. The total dose of rems determines how much harm a person suffers. At Hiroshima and Nagasaki, people received a dose of rems at the instant of the explosions, then more from the surroundings and, in limited areas, from fallout. Fallout is composed of radioactive particles that are carried into the upper atmosphere by a nuclear explosion and that eventually fall back to the earth's surface.
Effects of Radiation Exposure on Human Health
- Although a dose of just 25 rems causes some detectable changes in blood, doses to near 100 rems usually have no immediate harmful effects. Doses above 100 rems cause the first signs of radiation sickness including:
- nausea
- vomiting
- headache
- some loss of white blood cells
In time, for survivors, diseases such as leukemia (cancer of the blood), lung cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and cancers of other organs can appear due to the radiation received.
Major Radiation Exposure in Real Life Events
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
For more information on what happened at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, consult the nuclear past page and the nuclear warfare page.
Many people at Hiroshima and Nagasaki died not directly from the actual explosion, but from the radiation released as a result of the explosion. For example, a fourteen-year-old boy was admitted to a Hiroshima hospital two days after the explosion, suffering from a high fever and nausea. Nine days later his hair began to fall out. His supply of white blood cells dropped lower and lower. On the seventeenth day he began to bleed from his nose, and on the twenty-first day he died.
At Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the few surviving doctors observed symptoms of radiation sickness for the first time. In his book Nagasaki 1945, Dr. Tatsuichiro Akizuki wrote of the puzzling, unknown disease, of symptoms that "suddenly appeared in certain patients with no apparent injuries." Several days after the bombs exploded, doctors learned that they were treating the effects of radiation exposure. "We were now able to label our unknown adversary 'atomic disease' or 'radioactive contamination' among other names. But they were only labels: we knew nothing about its cause or cure... Within seven to ten days after the A-bomb explosion, people began to die in swift succession. They died of the burns that covered their bodies and of acute atomic disease. Innumerable people who had been burnt turned a mulberry color, like worms, and died... The disease," wrote Dr. Akizuki, "destroyed them little by little. As a doctor, I was forced to face the slow and certain deaths of my patients."
Doctors and nurses had no idea of how their own bodies had been affected by radioactivity. Dr. Akizuki wrote, "All of us suffered from diarrhea and a discharge of blood from the gums, but we kept this to ourselves. Each of us thought: tomorrow it might be me... We became stricken with fear of the future." Dr. Akizuki survived, as did several hundred thousand others in or near Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In fact, at least ten people who had fled from Hiroshima to Nagasaki survived both bombs.
The survivors have suffered physically from cataracts, leukemia and other cancers, malformed offspring, and premature aging, and also emotionally, from social discrimination. Within a few months of the nuclear explosions, leukemia began to appear among the survivors at an abnormally high rate. Some leukemia victims were fetuses within their mothers' wombs when exposed to radiation. One child who was born two days after the Hiroshima explosion eventually died of acute leukemia at the age of eighteen. The number of leukemia cases has declined with time, but the incidence of lung cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and cancers of other organs has increased among the survivors.
Many people at Hiroshima and Nagasaki died not directly from the actual explosion, but from the radiation released as a result of the explosion. For example, a fourteen-year-old boy was admitted to a Hiroshima hospital two days after the explosion, suffering from a high fever and nausea. Nine days later his hair began to fall out. His supply of white blood cells dropped lower and lower. On the seventeenth day he began to bleed from his nose, and on the twenty-first day he died.
At Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the few surviving doctors observed symptoms of radiation sickness for the first time. In his book Nagasaki 1945, Dr. Tatsuichiro Akizuki wrote of the puzzling, unknown disease, of symptoms that "suddenly appeared in certain patients with no apparent injuries." Several days after the bombs exploded, doctors learned that they were treating the effects of radiation exposure. "We were now able to label our unknown adversary 'atomic disease' or 'radioactive contamination' among other names. But they were only labels: we knew nothing about its cause or cure... Within seven to ten days after the A-bomb explosion, people began to die in swift succession. They died of the burns that covered their bodies and of acute atomic disease. Innumerable people who had been burnt turned a mulberry color, like worms, and died... The disease," wrote Dr. Akizuki, "destroyed them little by little. As a doctor, I was forced to face the slow and certain deaths of my patients."
Doctors and nurses had no idea of how their own bodies had been affected by radioactivity. Dr. Akizuki wrote, "All of us suffered from diarrhea and a discharge of blood from the gums, but we kept this to ourselves. Each of us thought: tomorrow it might be me... We became stricken with fear of the future." Dr. Akizuki survived, as did several hundred thousand others in or near Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In fact, at least ten people who had fled from Hiroshima to Nagasaki survived both bombs.
The survivors have suffered physically from cataracts, leukemia and other cancers, malformed offspring, and premature aging, and also emotionally, from social discrimination. Within a few months of the nuclear explosions, leukemia began to appear among the survivors at an abnormally high rate. Some leukemia victims were fetuses within their mothers' wombs when exposed to radiation. One child who was born two days after the Hiroshima explosion eventually died of acute leukemia at the age of eighteen. The number of leukemia cases has declined with time, but the incidence of lung cancer, thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and cancers of other organs has increased among the survivors.
Three Mile Island
For more information on what happened at Three Mile Island, consult the nuclear past page.
On a Wednesday morning, maintenance workers cleaning sludge from a small pipe blocked the flow of water in the main feedwater system of a reactor at Three Mile Island near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The sift foreman heard "loud, thunderous noises, like a couple of freight trains," coming. Since the reactor was still producing heat, it heated the blocked cooling water around its core hot enough to create enough pressure to have popped a relief valve. Some 220 gallons of water per minute began flowing out of the reactor vessel. Within five minutes after the main feedwater system failed, the reactor, deprived of all normal and emergency sources of cooling water, and no longer able to use its enormous energy to generate electricity, gradually started to tear itself apart.
The loss of coolant at the reactor continued for some 16 hours. Abort a third of the core melted down. Radioactive water flowed through the stuck relief valve into an auxiliary building, where it pooled on the floor. Radioactive gas was released into the atmosphere. An estimated 140,000 people were evacuated from the area. It took a month to stabilize the malfunctioning unit and safely shut it down. The reactor was a total loss and the cleanup required years of repair and hundreds of millions of dollars.
No one was reported injured and the little radiation that leaked out was quickly dispersed. Although this accident did cost lots of money and time, no one was hurt.
On a Wednesday morning, maintenance workers cleaning sludge from a small pipe blocked the flow of water in the main feedwater system of a reactor at Three Mile Island near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The sift foreman heard "loud, thunderous noises, like a couple of freight trains," coming. Since the reactor was still producing heat, it heated the blocked cooling water around its core hot enough to create enough pressure to have popped a relief valve. Some 220 gallons of water per minute began flowing out of the reactor vessel. Within five minutes after the main feedwater system failed, the reactor, deprived of all normal and emergency sources of cooling water, and no longer able to use its enormous energy to generate electricity, gradually started to tear itself apart.
The loss of coolant at the reactor continued for some 16 hours. Abort a third of the core melted down. Radioactive water flowed through the stuck relief valve into an auxiliary building, where it pooled on the floor. Radioactive gas was released into the atmosphere. An estimated 140,000 people were evacuated from the area. It took a month to stabilize the malfunctioning unit and safely shut it down. The reactor was a total loss and the cleanup required years of repair and hundreds of millions of dollars.
No one was reported injured and the little radiation that leaked out was quickly dispersed. Although this accident did cost lots of money and time, no one was hurt.
Chernobyl
For more information on what happened at Chernobyl, consult the nuclear past page.
A far more serious accident occured at Chernobyl, in what was then still the Soviet Union. At the time of the accident, the Chernobyl nuclear power station consisted of four operating 1,000 megawatt power reactors. Without question, the accident at Chernobyl was the result of a fatal combination of ignorance and complacency. "As members of a select scientific panel convened immediately after the... accident," writes Nobel laureate Hans Bethe, "my colleagues and I established that the Chernobyl disaster tells us about the deficiencies of the Soviet political and administrative system rather than about problems with nuclear power."
Although the problem at Chernobyl was relatively complex, it can basically be summarized as a mismanaged electrical engineering experiment which resulted in the reactor exploding. The explosion was chemical, driven by gases and steam generated by the core runaway, not by nuclear reactions. Flames, sparks, and chunks of burning material were flying into the air above the unit. These were red-hot pieces of nuclear fuel and graphite. About 50 tons of nuclear fuel evaporated and were released by the explosion into the atmosphere. In addition, about 70 tons were ejected sideways from the periphery of the core. Some 50 tons of nuclear fuel and 800 tons of reactor graphite remained in the reactor vault, where it formed a pit reminiscent of a volcanic crater as the graphite still in the reactor had turned up completely in a few days after the explosion.
The resulting radioactive release was equivalent to ten Hiroshimas. In fact, since the Hiroshima bomb was air-burst--no part of the fireball touched the ground--the Chernobyl release polluted the countryside much more than ten Hiroshimas would have done. Many people died from the explosion and even more from the effects of the radiation later. Still today, people are dying from the radiation caused by the Chernobyl accident. The estimated total number of deaths will be 16,000.
A far more serious accident occured at Chernobyl, in what was then still the Soviet Union. At the time of the accident, the Chernobyl nuclear power station consisted of four operating 1,000 megawatt power reactors. Without question, the accident at Chernobyl was the result of a fatal combination of ignorance and complacency. "As members of a select scientific panel convened immediately after the... accident," writes Nobel laureate Hans Bethe, "my colleagues and I established that the Chernobyl disaster tells us about the deficiencies of the Soviet political and administrative system rather than about problems with nuclear power."
Although the problem at Chernobyl was relatively complex, it can basically be summarized as a mismanaged electrical engineering experiment which resulted in the reactor exploding. The explosion was chemical, driven by gases and steam generated by the core runaway, not by nuclear reactions. Flames, sparks, and chunks of burning material were flying into the air above the unit. These were red-hot pieces of nuclear fuel and graphite. About 50 tons of nuclear fuel evaporated and were released by the explosion into the atmosphere. In addition, about 70 tons were ejected sideways from the periphery of the core. Some 50 tons of nuclear fuel and 800 tons of reactor graphite remained in the reactor vault, where it formed a pit reminiscent of a volcanic crater as the graphite still in the reactor had turned up completely in a few days after the explosion.
The resulting radioactive release was equivalent to ten Hiroshimas. In fact, since the Hiroshima bomb was air-burst--no part of the fireball touched the ground--the Chernobyl release polluted the countryside much more than ten Hiroshimas would have done. Many people died from the explosion and even more from the effects of the radiation later. Still today, people are dying from the radiation caused by the Chernobyl accident. The estimated total number of deaths will be 16,000.
Medical Treatment
- For a more in-depth view of current medical technologies available to the treatment of radiation, go to the medical imaging page.
There is currently no effective medical treatment available for potentially fatal radiation doses. The case of the Japanese boy mentioned above illustrates an important fact about radiation sickness. The boy had probably received a dose of 450 rems or more, yet his symptoms were about the same as those of a person who received about 300 rems. Medical science has no way of telling the difference between people who have received fatal doses and will die despite all efforts and others who received less radiation and can be saved. Treatment for the ones that can be saved includes blood transfusions and bone-marrow transplants. Bone-marrow transplants rejuvenate the supply of white blood cells which was affected by the radiation.
From Atomic Achive.com
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BEWARE!!! FAKE ROAD VICTIM
THIS IS NOT A JOKE
IT HAPPENED TO US MONTHS AGO ALONG BUENDIA AVE. MAKATI.
It was noon time, Ning was driving (5kph) along the traffic in Buendia Ave., Makati (with Me and Hannah). A man with a plastic bag of rotten mango (peel) walked toward her and smashed the bag against the side mirror, splattering the window with the rotten mango, and fell on the road. He got up with a little blood on his elbow and told us that we broke his bottle of medicine (which was nowhere to be found) that is worth P500. When I handed P100 to him, he picked up a rock and threatened to smash our window... I had to make a quick decision between...
a) paying a few thousand pesos for the repair of a wind shield
b) Ning being arrested and extorted by the Makati Police for "reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury"
c) giving him what he demanded (P500) which I grudgingly did.
IT HAPPENED TO US AGAIN YESTERDAY (DEC. 26) ALONG AURORA BLVD.
About noon time, while driving (with Ning & Gavin in the car) along the narrow two-lane road of Aurora Blvd. I saw a man with a plastic bag in his hand walking toward us on the road instead of on the side walk. I knew there was enough space between him and the car so I drove on (maybe 30kph) without slowing down. Suddenly, I heard something hit my side mirror and when I looked behind, I saw the man lying on the road. The window on the right side was splattered with yellowish (yucky vomit-like) stuff. Had it not happened about 6 months ago, I would have stopped the car to bring the man to the nearest hospital. But because exactly the same thing happened before, I just drove on looking at the man on the road through the side mirror... who was back on his feet as if nothing happened.
HOW WOULD YOU KNOW IT'S A FAKE?
1) A victim that is hit by a moving car would be thrown in front of the car from impact. The 2 fakes fell toward the right rear side of the car...probably to avoid being run over.
2) On both incidents, the windshield/ side window of the car was splattered with "yellow yucky stuff"... probably to create a dramatic scene to cars that passed by and exaggerate the evidence of impact. SUCH A GENIUS FOR AN INVENTOR OF EVIL (Romans 1).
3) The victim will extort money from you.
WHAT MUST YOU DO?
1) PRAY THAT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN TO YOU.
2) BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS, specially if you see a man with a plastic bag walking toward you.
3) IF THERE IS A POLICEMAN AROUND, report it at the scene & PRAY that he is not part of the MODUS OPERANDI... Many policemen are aware of the trick and the public had been warned about it in the news.
4) AGAIN, PRAY THAT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN TO YOU.
Concerned Magsaysay People
IT HAPPENED TO US MONTHS AGO ALONG BUENDIA AVE. MAKATI.
It was noon time, Ning was driving (5kph) along the traffic in Buendia Ave., Makati (with Me and Hannah). A man with a plastic bag of rotten mango (peel) walked toward her and smashed the bag against the side mirror, splattering the window with the rotten mango, and fell on the road. He got up with a little blood on his elbow and told us that we broke his bottle of medicine (which was nowhere to be found) that is worth P500. When I handed P100 to him, he picked up a rock and threatened to smash our window... I had to make a quick decision between...
a) paying a few thousand pesos for the repair of a wind shield
b) Ning being arrested and extorted by the Makati Police for "reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury"
c) giving him what he demanded (P500) which I grudgingly did.
IT HAPPENED TO US AGAIN YESTERDAY (DEC. 26) ALONG AURORA BLVD.
About noon time, while driving (with Ning & Gavin in the car) along the narrow two-lane road of Aurora Blvd. I saw a man with a plastic bag in his hand walking toward us on the road instead of on the side walk. I knew there was enough space between him and the car so I drove on (maybe 30kph) without slowing down. Suddenly, I heard something hit my side mirror and when I looked behind, I saw the man lying on the road. The window on the right side was splattered with yellowish (yucky vomit-like) stuff. Had it not happened about 6 months ago, I would have stopped the car to bring the man to the nearest hospital. But because exactly the same thing happened before, I just drove on looking at the man on the road through the side mirror... who was back on his feet as if nothing happened.
HOW WOULD YOU KNOW IT'S A FAKE?
1) A victim that is hit by a moving car would be thrown in front of the car from impact. The 2 fakes fell toward the right rear side of the car...probably to avoid being run over.
2) On both incidents, the windshield/ side window of the car was splattered with "yellow yucky stuff"... probably to create a dramatic scene to cars that passed by and exaggerate the evidence of impact. SUCH A GENIUS FOR AN INVENTOR OF EVIL (Romans 1).
3) The victim will extort money from you.
WHAT MUST YOU DO?
1) PRAY THAT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN TO YOU.
2) BE EXTRA CAUTIOUS, specially if you see a man with a plastic bag walking toward you.
3) IF THERE IS A POLICEMAN AROUND, report it at the scene & PRAY that he is not part of the MODUS OPERANDI... Many policemen are aware of the trick and the public had been warned about it in the news.
4) AGAIN, PRAY THAT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN TO YOU.
Concerned Magsaysay People
NEW MODUS OPERANDI PREYING ON WOMEN DRIVERS
by Janice Go
To all women drivers…BEWARE...
I just want to share with you my experience this afternoon Jan 13, 2011. At around 4:30 pm while driving along Shaw Blvd right after San Miguel Avenue going towards Pioneer street, a man ( Guy A) walking knocked on the passenger window and with mixed signals pointed at my hood saying there’s a spark. Another man (Guy B) walking also signaled the same so I went towards the driveway of PhilUSA when I noticed Guy A telling me to park in 10/Q (along Shaw Blvd). Since the traffic light was green, I decided to go straight to Caltex Service Station at the corner of Pioneer and Shaw Blvd. When I stopped the car I asked the gasoline boy to check if there is a spark at the bottom of my hood. He said no. At first I didn’t want to believe him thinking that 2 different persons (Guy A & B) pointed to the same problem. Another man whom I thought was a Good Samaritan (Guy C) then asked me to start the engine so he can observe if there was indeed a spark. Driving within the Caltex gas station but going towards Shaw Blvd (Caltex is located at the corner of Pioneer Street and Shaw Blvd) he then asked me to open the hood. Thinking that I was quite safe, being in the gas station, I did what he told me to do. He asked me to get down from the car so I can see the problem.
At first I was hesitant but needing to see the problem, I turned off the engine and stepped down from my car. Alarm flashed in my head telling me to lock the car doors (doors automatically open when I turned off the engine). Thinking that the passenger door is permanently locked, I was a bit comforted knowing that my handbag (which was placed in the middle of the seat on top of the hand brake) is safe. Guy C then asked me to start the engine so I can see the spark…. suddenly Guy A came over and checked the problem. He even engaged me in a conversation telling me how he was concerned when he saw the sparks. I noticed he had an open umbrella but it didn’t register in my mind that the umbrella was used as a ploy – trying to block my view of the whole car. Guy A wanted me to go near the front. I stayed where I was – at the left side of my car near the door. Part of me was afraid that someone might drive off with my car while I stand in front of the hood. At that point I was kind of pissed with Guy A. Guy C then offered to call a mechanic. I even asked him if he works nearby (Guy C looks like a messenger, wears a barong and even have an ID around his neck) and he said yes. So off he went. I didn’t bother with Guy A since I went back inside my car and waited. After a few minutes, the supervisor of the gas station came to me and asked: “ Ma’m are your things intact?” I looked around and said yes. He then repeated his question. That’s when I noticed that my handbag was missing. He then told me that the gasoline boy saw somebody alight from a Toyota FX (plate no. UAJ 472) and opened the back door and got a black bag while I was busy talking with Guys A & C.
I requested for assistance from the policemen ( in Royal Blue and Black Pants) but they keep pointing me to the next corner until I almost reached the end of Shaw Blvd – all the policemen doesn’t have their radio until the Barangay official from Brgy. San Antonio escorted me to the police station.
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. Always keep your cellphone with you. Don’t put it in your handbag. I was lucky enough to get hold of my cellphone as I was about to meet up with a friend who just ended a meeting. This enabled me to call the banks to cancel my ATM and credit cards.
2. Call a friend. When it all happened, I called up a friend to tell her about having problems with my car.
3. Be vigilant while driving. I didn’t notice the FX tailing my car from Shaw Blvd to the gas station. According to the police, the vehicle must have targeted me from my last stop – I just came out of the bank along Shaw Blvd then went to Cherry Supermarket.
4. If you car is well-maintained, don't just stop when someone points out a problem. Drive to the nearest gas station. My car is only 21/2 year old. There is no way a problem other than flat tire can happen especially if it is well-maintained. For lady drivers, i suggest you get a wireless tire gauge so you can easily monitor the air pressure of your tires from inside your car. It is a bit costly but it may also save your life especially at night.
5. Don’t be too gullible. Even a street-smart person can be deceived. Always be careful. In situations like these, as there are 5 or 6 men ( driver of the vehicle, the person who got my bag, Guys A, B & C and a look-out) if you are a target, don’t just stop the car. Go to a public place like gas station.
6. Be thankful... After hearing so many stories of women being victimized, I thank God nothing untoward happen to me. My car was not taken from me; I was not harmed nor injured. Never mind about the bag, wallet, money and cards lost. It can easily be replaced. You only have 1 life.
Please pass to all the women drivers. According to Capt. Tonga of the Police Precinct in Brgy. San Antonio, something similar happened yesterday (Jan 12) at C5. I’m sure this won’t be the last. If you see a Toyota FX with Plate no. UAJ-472, please report to the nearest police.
Note :
The entirety of the text above was lifted from the emailed message without any revisions or insertions.
I just want to share with you my experience this afternoon Jan 13, 2011. At around 4:30 pm while driving along Shaw Blvd right after San Miguel Avenue going towards Pioneer street, a man ( Guy A) walking knocked on the passenger window and with mixed signals pointed at my hood saying there’s a spark. Another man (Guy B) walking also signaled the same so I went towards the driveway of PhilUSA when I noticed Guy A telling me to park in 10/Q (along Shaw Blvd). Since the traffic light was green, I decided to go straight to Caltex Service Station at the corner of Pioneer and Shaw Blvd. When I stopped the car I asked the gasoline boy to check if there is a spark at the bottom of my hood. He said no. At first I didn’t want to believe him thinking that 2 different persons (Guy A & B) pointed to the same problem. Another man whom I thought was a Good Samaritan (Guy C) then asked me to start the engine so he can observe if there was indeed a spark. Driving within the Caltex gas station but going towards Shaw Blvd (Caltex is located at the corner of Pioneer Street and Shaw Blvd) he then asked me to open the hood. Thinking that I was quite safe, being in the gas station, I did what he told me to do. He asked me to get down from the car so I can see the problem.
At first I was hesitant but needing to see the problem, I turned off the engine and stepped down from my car. Alarm flashed in my head telling me to lock the car doors (doors automatically open when I turned off the engine). Thinking that the passenger door is permanently locked, I was a bit comforted knowing that my handbag (which was placed in the middle of the seat on top of the hand brake) is safe. Guy C then asked me to start the engine so I can see the spark…. suddenly Guy A came over and checked the problem. He even engaged me in a conversation telling me how he was concerned when he saw the sparks. I noticed he had an open umbrella but it didn’t register in my mind that the umbrella was used as a ploy – trying to block my view of the whole car. Guy A wanted me to go near the front. I stayed where I was – at the left side of my car near the door. Part of me was afraid that someone might drive off with my car while I stand in front of the hood. At that point I was kind of pissed with Guy A. Guy C then offered to call a mechanic. I even asked him if he works nearby (Guy C looks like a messenger, wears a barong and even have an ID around his neck) and he said yes. So off he went. I didn’t bother with Guy A since I went back inside my car and waited. After a few minutes, the supervisor of the gas station came to me and asked: “ Ma’m are your things intact?” I looked around and said yes. He then repeated his question. That’s when I noticed that my handbag was missing. He then told me that the gasoline boy saw somebody alight from a Toyota FX (plate no. UAJ 472) and opened the back door and got a black bag while I was busy talking with Guys A & C.
I requested for assistance from the policemen ( in Royal Blue and Black Pants) but they keep pointing me to the next corner until I almost reached the end of Shaw Blvd – all the policemen doesn’t have their radio until the Barangay official from Brgy. San Antonio escorted me to the police station.
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. Always keep your cellphone with you. Don’t put it in your handbag. I was lucky enough to get hold of my cellphone as I was about to meet up with a friend who just ended a meeting. This enabled me to call the banks to cancel my ATM and credit cards.
2. Call a friend. When it all happened, I called up a friend to tell her about having problems with my car.
3. Be vigilant while driving. I didn’t notice the FX tailing my car from Shaw Blvd to the gas station. According to the police, the vehicle must have targeted me from my last stop – I just came out of the bank along Shaw Blvd then went to Cherry Supermarket.
4. If you car is well-maintained, don't just stop when someone points out a problem. Drive to the nearest gas station. My car is only 21/2 year old. There is no way a problem other than flat tire can happen especially if it is well-maintained. For lady drivers, i suggest you get a wireless tire gauge so you can easily monitor the air pressure of your tires from inside your car. It is a bit costly but it may also save your life especially at night.
5. Don’t be too gullible. Even a street-smart person can be deceived. Always be careful. In situations like these, as there are 5 or 6 men ( driver of the vehicle, the person who got my bag, Guys A, B & C and a look-out) if you are a target, don’t just stop the car. Go to a public place like gas station.
6. Be thankful... After hearing so many stories of women being victimized, I thank God nothing untoward happen to me. My car was not taken from me; I was not harmed nor injured. Never mind about the bag, wallet, money and cards lost. It can easily be replaced. You only have 1 life.
Please pass to all the women drivers. According to Capt. Tonga of the Police Precinct in Brgy. San Antonio, something similar happened yesterday (Jan 12) at C5. I’m sure this won’t be the last. If you see a Toyota FX with Plate no. UAJ-472, please report to the nearest police.
Note :
The entirety of the text above was lifted from the emailed message without any revisions or insertions.
"CARJACKING: PREVENTION AND RESPONSE"
SITUATION
Carjackers have stepped up their nefarious activities these past few days, even resorting to killing the owners or drivers of the stolen vehicles. Carjacking involves the forcible takeover/theft of a vehicle while someone is aboard, usually in transit. This is different from carnapping wherein the vehicle is taken while it is stationary and there is no one aboard it.
MODUS OPERANDI
A favored modus operandi of carjackers is to pretend to be persons in authority (e.g. police, military, NBI, intelligence services) and accost unwary motorists before divesting them of their vehicle, cash and other valuables. Carjackers using this method often ride in new model vehicles ( more often than not without plate numbers or using unauthorized commemorative plates) complete with sirens/flashers, firearms and perhaps even official looking uniforms/identification and similar paraphernalia. Another modus operandi is the pretext of bumping into your vehicle and perpetrating the crime as you alight and check the damage. Other carjackers use multiple vehicles, sandwich you between them and force you off the road.
Carjackers typically target motorists traveling alone late at night (e.g. 11pm up to around 3 am) along roads that are either deserted or have little vehicular/pedestrian traffic.
Fast, new model cars are typically targeted since carjackers either sell them on the black market or use them as get away vehicles to perpetrate other crimes such as bank robberies.
AREAS OF CONCERN
There are several identified areas of concern in Metro Manila where carjacking incidents often happen.
Quezon Avenue underpass which crosses EDSA
Tomas Morato and West Triangle area in Quezon City
Teachers village, Quezon City
Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City
Some stretches of EDSA in Quezon City
Katipunan Flyover coming from Libis, Quezon City
Kindly note that although most incidents have been noted to occur in Quezon City, carjackings can happen anywhere.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Becoming the victim of a crime may be avoided or the effects mitigated. Below are some avoidance tips that you may consider.
Consider varying your daily routines and habits. Do not take the same routes or go at the same time on your regular errands. This will avoid establishing a pattern that criminals may notice.
Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition in order to avoid vehicle breakdowns in potentially dangerous circumstances.
Know the areas you travel through and take note of potential safe havens such as police stations, gasoline station, etc. so that in case of vehicle trouble, you have the option of trying to reach these areas if circumstances permit.
Avoid traveling during unholy hours of the night. If such is unavoidable (e.g. coming home from a party or a night out with friends), avoid traveling alone through areas likely to be favored by criminal elements such as those mentioned above.
Avoid hitch hikers, especially when you are driving alone.
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Constantly check your rear and side view mirrors, Note any suspicious looking vehicles that may be following you. Be wary of unmarked vehicles with flashers/sirens, without plate numbers/vanity plates or using unauthorized commemorative plates, carrying many passengers (predominantly male) and are more often that not, heavily tinted. Take note that the authorities normally travel in marked cars of with readily recognizable red government plates. Police and other law enforcement/military personnel in or out of uniforms are also required to have credentials such as ID's and appropriate badges with them.
If you suspect surveillance, try taking a few turns to see if the suspected vehicle follows you constantly, be prepared to take evasive action and proceed to the nearest identified safe haven if possible.
Keep a means of emergency communications (e.g. mobile phone, handheld radio) handy for use in case of emergencies. Keep your colleagues/families/trusted friends aware of your whereabouts.
In the event that you get caught by suspected carjackers:
Stop the vehicle and remain calm. If they present themselves as persons in authority, politely ask for credentials such as cards/badges.
Do not alight from the vehicle immediately. However, if perpetrators ask you to alight, follow their instructions. Leave the door open as you get off. Put your hands up if requested to do so.
Apply the handbrake but keep the engine running.
Avoid looking directly at the perpetrators, be compliant with their demands. Your life is more valuable than any material possessions.
Allow the carjackers to depart without interference.
Take note of any details(e.g. license plates, distinguishable marks or features of the carjackers, etc) you can gather without unduly arousing their suspicions that you are gathering information for future investigations.
Report the incident as soon as possible to the authorities. Cooperate to the fullest extent possible during investigations.
The following mitigation measures may also be considered:
Consider getting comprehensive insurance for your vehicle if such has not yet been done. New vehicles are routinely insured as such and it may be a good idea to continue this comprehensive insurance for a period of time as recommended by your insurance provider or auto dealer. Ensure that such insurance covers theft of your vehicle and other accessories thereof.
Keep a note of articles which you commonly place in your vehicle. It may also be useful to take a picture of your vehicle from various angles to assist in description to authorities in case of a car napping/carjacking.
It may be prudent to avoid leaving the original paperwork (e.g. registration, insurance cover) inside your vehicle. This may make it easier for criminals to sell your vehicle to unsuspecting buyers. Have photocopies of such paperwork made and place them in your vehicle for use in case legitimate authorities wish to verify them (e.g. at checkpoints).
Consider having the vehicle plate number and other identifying marks/numbers etched/engraved on strategic areas (e.g. windshield, window glass, chassis ) in order to make it harder for criminals to sell and to facilitate identification in case it is recovered by the authorities.
Post-vehicle recovery recommendations:
In the event that your vehicle is recovered by the authorities, this will be communicated to you.
Bring appropriate identification and proof of ownership (e.g. registration papers, driver's license, deed of sale) when claiming your recovered vehicle.
Ensure that the authorities have removed your vehicle from the so-called "All Points Bulletin" (APB) prior to using it. This is to avoid possible misencounters with anti-carnapping elements.
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO AVOID CARNAPPING
1. Before buying a vehicle, whether brand new or 2nd hand, please make sure that you are buying the same from a reputable car dealer or a car owner.
2. Particularly on 2nd hand vehicles, obtain clearance from the proper authorities before buying the same just to make sure that what you are buying is not a 'hot car'.
3. Always park your car in well-lit places, away from walls and hedges where crooks may lie in wait.
4. Have your keys ready even as you approach your car. If you pause to look for your keys, you leave yourself vulnerable to an attack.
5. Take note of suspicious looking people or cars near your vehicle.
6. Before getting into your vehicle, check for possible intruders hiding behind.
7. In case of a vehicle breakdown or any emergency, have a cellphone ready.
8. Avoid parking in unsecured places. If you have no garage, it may be advisable to pay in a pay parking area rather than in an unattended street parking slot.
9. You are vulnerable to attack if you stay behind, inside your vehicle, waiting for any companions. As a deterrent, leave your vehicle when parked and stay in a safe area.
10. Secure your vehicle before leaving the same. Do not leave any valuables inside as these will easily attract attention.
USEFUL CONTACTS
For Life-Threatening Emergencies Only Dial 1-1-7 or TEXT -SMS PATROL EYE or SMS: Type PNP then send to 2920
For Highway Robbery & Other Motor Vehicle related crimes Dial (632)722-4068/(632) 725-1133 local 4359 PNP Task Force Limbas - Anti-Carnapping
For Complaints Referrals Action Center Dial (632) 722-0650 4252 PNP Police Community Relations Group
For Organized Crime & Kidnapping with Ransom Dial (632) 725-2147 Local 4371 PACER
For Most Wanted / Missing or Unidentified Person Dial (632) 726-1575 Criminal Investigation & Detection Group
For Motor Vehicle Related Transactions Dial (632) 724-8869 Traffic Management Group
For Police Services Complaints or Complaints about a Police Officer Dial (632) 899-7504 Internal Affairs Service
Carjackers have stepped up their nefarious activities these past few days, even resorting to killing the owners or drivers of the stolen vehicles. Carjacking involves the forcible takeover/theft of a vehicle while someone is aboard, usually in transit. This is different from carnapping wherein the vehicle is taken while it is stationary and there is no one aboard it.
MODUS OPERANDI
A favored modus operandi of carjackers is to pretend to be persons in authority (e.g. police, military, NBI, intelligence services) and accost unwary motorists before divesting them of their vehicle, cash and other valuables. Carjackers using this method often ride in new model vehicles ( more often than not without plate numbers or using unauthorized commemorative plates) complete with sirens/flashers, firearms and perhaps even official looking uniforms/identification and similar paraphernalia. Another modus operandi is the pretext of bumping into your vehicle and perpetrating the crime as you alight and check the damage. Other carjackers use multiple vehicles, sandwich you between them and force you off the road.
Carjackers typically target motorists traveling alone late at night (e.g. 11pm up to around 3 am) along roads that are either deserted or have little vehicular/pedestrian traffic.
Fast, new model cars are typically targeted since carjackers either sell them on the black market or use them as get away vehicles to perpetrate other crimes such as bank robberies.
AREAS OF CONCERN
There are several identified areas of concern in Metro Manila where carjacking incidents often happen.
Quezon Avenue underpass which crosses EDSA
Tomas Morato and West Triangle area in Quezon City
Teachers village, Quezon City
Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City
Some stretches of EDSA in Quezon City
Katipunan Flyover coming from Libis, Quezon City
Kindly note that although most incidents have been noted to occur in Quezon City, carjackings can happen anywhere.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Becoming the victim of a crime may be avoided or the effects mitigated. Below are some avoidance tips that you may consider.
Consider varying your daily routines and habits. Do not take the same routes or go at the same time on your regular errands. This will avoid establishing a pattern that criminals may notice.
Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition in order to avoid vehicle breakdowns in potentially dangerous circumstances.
Know the areas you travel through and take note of potential safe havens such as police stations, gasoline station, etc. so that in case of vehicle trouble, you have the option of trying to reach these areas if circumstances permit.
Avoid traveling during unholy hours of the night. If such is unavoidable (e.g. coming home from a party or a night out with friends), avoid traveling alone through areas likely to be favored by criminal elements such as those mentioned above.
Avoid hitch hikers, especially when you are driving alone.
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Constantly check your rear and side view mirrors, Note any suspicious looking vehicles that may be following you. Be wary of unmarked vehicles with flashers/sirens, without plate numbers/vanity plates or using unauthorized commemorative plates, carrying many passengers (predominantly male) and are more often that not, heavily tinted. Take note that the authorities normally travel in marked cars of with readily recognizable red government plates. Police and other law enforcement/military personnel in or out of uniforms are also required to have credentials such as ID's and appropriate badges with them.
If you suspect surveillance, try taking a few turns to see if the suspected vehicle follows you constantly, be prepared to take evasive action and proceed to the nearest identified safe haven if possible.
Keep a means of emergency communications (e.g. mobile phone, handheld radio) handy for use in case of emergencies. Keep your colleagues/families/trusted friends aware of your whereabouts.
In the event that you get caught by suspected carjackers:
Stop the vehicle and remain calm. If they present themselves as persons in authority, politely ask for credentials such as cards/badges.
Do not alight from the vehicle immediately. However, if perpetrators ask you to alight, follow their instructions. Leave the door open as you get off. Put your hands up if requested to do so.
Apply the handbrake but keep the engine running.
Avoid looking directly at the perpetrators, be compliant with their demands. Your life is more valuable than any material possessions.
Allow the carjackers to depart without interference.
Take note of any details(e.g. license plates, distinguishable marks or features of the carjackers, etc) you can gather without unduly arousing their suspicions that you are gathering information for future investigations.
Report the incident as soon as possible to the authorities. Cooperate to the fullest extent possible during investigations.
The following mitigation measures may also be considered:
Consider getting comprehensive insurance for your vehicle if such has not yet been done. New vehicles are routinely insured as such and it may be a good idea to continue this comprehensive insurance for a period of time as recommended by your insurance provider or auto dealer. Ensure that such insurance covers theft of your vehicle and other accessories thereof.
Keep a note of articles which you commonly place in your vehicle. It may also be useful to take a picture of your vehicle from various angles to assist in description to authorities in case of a car napping/carjacking.
It may be prudent to avoid leaving the original paperwork (e.g. registration, insurance cover) inside your vehicle. This may make it easier for criminals to sell your vehicle to unsuspecting buyers. Have photocopies of such paperwork made and place them in your vehicle for use in case legitimate authorities wish to verify them (e.g. at checkpoints).
Consider having the vehicle plate number and other identifying marks/numbers etched/engraved on strategic areas (e.g. windshield, window glass, chassis ) in order to make it harder for criminals to sell and to facilitate identification in case it is recovered by the authorities.
Post-vehicle recovery recommendations:
In the event that your vehicle is recovered by the authorities, this will be communicated to you.
Bring appropriate identification and proof of ownership (e.g. registration papers, driver's license, deed of sale) when claiming your recovered vehicle.
Ensure that the authorities have removed your vehicle from the so-called "All Points Bulletin" (APB) prior to using it. This is to avoid possible misencounters with anti-carnapping elements.
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO AVOID CARNAPPING
1. Before buying a vehicle, whether brand new or 2nd hand, please make sure that you are buying the same from a reputable car dealer or a car owner.
2. Particularly on 2nd hand vehicles, obtain clearance from the proper authorities before buying the same just to make sure that what you are buying is not a 'hot car'.
3. Always park your car in well-lit places, away from walls and hedges where crooks may lie in wait.
4. Have your keys ready even as you approach your car. If you pause to look for your keys, you leave yourself vulnerable to an attack.
5. Take note of suspicious looking people or cars near your vehicle.
6. Before getting into your vehicle, check for possible intruders hiding behind.
7. In case of a vehicle breakdown or any emergency, have a cellphone ready.
8. Avoid parking in unsecured places. If you have no garage, it may be advisable to pay in a pay parking area rather than in an unattended street parking slot.
9. You are vulnerable to attack if you stay behind, inside your vehicle, waiting for any companions. As a deterrent, leave your vehicle when parked and stay in a safe area.
10. Secure your vehicle before leaving the same. Do not leave any valuables inside as these will easily attract attention.
USEFUL CONTACTS
For Life-Threatening Emergencies Only Dial 1-1-7 or TEXT -SMS PATROL EYE or SMS: Type PNP then send to 2920
For Highway Robbery & Other Motor Vehicle related crimes Dial (632)722-4068/(632) 725-1133 local 4359 PNP Task Force Limbas - Anti-Carnapping
For Complaints Referrals Action Center Dial (632) 722-0650 4252 PNP Police Community Relations Group
For Organized Crime & Kidnapping with Ransom Dial (632) 725-2147 Local 4371 PACER
For Most Wanted / Missing or Unidentified Person Dial (632) 726-1575 Criminal Investigation & Detection Group
For Motor Vehicle Related Transactions Dial (632) 724-8869 Traffic Management Group
For Police Services Complaints or Complaints about a Police Officer Dial (632) 899-7504 Internal Affairs Service