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Warden Message: El Salvador Criminal Tactics
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Americas - El Salvador
10 Jan 2007

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Worldwide Caution Public Announcement
U.S. Embassy San Salvador issued the following Warden Message on January 10:

Criminal Tactics to stop your Vehicle

This Warden Message is to remind U.S. citizens in El Salvador of the importance of observing personal security measures when driving in El Salvador. This past weekend an official U.S. employee stationed in El Salvador was carjacked near Zona Rosa in San Salvador, kidnapped, and held at gunpoint for two hours before being released unharmed. The victim had his car struck from behind by an SUV. When the victim exited his vehicle to assess the damage, he was taken at gunpoint and driven around San Salvador before being released later that evening.

Criminals are known to use various ruse tactics, such as accidentally bumping into their "target's" vehicle or blocking vehicles with their own car. To help avoid being a victim of these tactics, always give yourself plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you when entering roundabouts or approaching stop lights and intersections, and always leave yourself room to maneuver around the vehicle in front of you. If you find yourself in such a situation, the Embassy suggests that you do not exit your vehicle. Instead, proceed to the nearest safe area, i.e. a Police station, a well protected shopping center/Mall, a hospital, or any public location with a guard.

If you are ever confronted by armed gunmen -- do not resist. It is important for your own safety that you readily and without hesitation give up your vehicle and all valuables to your assailants. Do not make any sudden moves with your hands, keeping them in plain view at all time times and don't reach under the seat of towards the glove box.

While In Your Car:
- Drive with your windows up and doors locked at all times (PNC advised the Embassy that the majority of carjackings occur when windows are down and doors unlocked).
- Keep your house keys separate from car keys.
- When in crawling or stopped in traffic, leave at least a half car length between you and the car ahead, to allow space to exit rapidly if necessary.
- Don't leave valuables in your vehicle, in the seat, or in the trunk. Thefts from parked cars occur frequently throughout the country in all locations.
- Park your vehicle in a secure parking garage or near a guard.
- Have your keys out and ready as you approach your vehicle. Fumbling for keys with an armload of packages makes an easy target for muggers or carjackers
- Be alert when approaching your parked vehicle. If someone is watching you too closely, or is loitering near your vehicle, return to a safe location.
- Always check the back seat of the car before entering the vehicle.
- Avoid pulling into a gated front driveway until the gate opens with ample space for you to enter. Carjackers have been known to use this situation to their advantage by positioning their vehicles directly behind yours, trapping you in between them and the gate.

Criminals also target isolated roads in and outside of the city. These basic precautions can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a target of opportunity for criminals:
- It is best to travel outside the city limits during day light. Avoid night travel when at all possible.
- Select well traveled routes.
- Be sure someone in your office and family is aware of your exact travel plans and route you are traveling.
- Be sure your cell phone is working and charged.
- Whenever possible travel in a caravan.
- Be especially alert on remote stretches, approaching curves or hills, or when unusual groups of individuals appear near roadways.
- Make sure you have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle, never allow the tank to go below a quarter tank.
- Hire a guard for your travel.
- Be sure your vehicle is in good working order (spare tire, etc.)

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).