A series of carjackings in and around Trenton is cause for concern. Here are some tips to avoid problems (LA PARKER COLUMN)

On Thursday, April 11, two carjackings occurred in the Trenton area. Both involved residents who live in Trenton.

A 64-year-old woman was attacked outside the Wawa on West Trenton Ave. at 4 a.m. in Morrisville as she walked back to her car. Falls Twp. Detective Ron Macoherson reported that the victim had purchased coffee before her morning workout.

“Two suspects then started punching her in the face and threw her to the ground. She was on the ground, they demanded the keys,” and drove away in the gray 2017 Honda Civic.

Prior to this incident, a carjacking occurred around 3 a.m. in the first block of Home Avenue, when several people robbed a male driver’s white Acura TSX. Police said the vehicle arrived at the Wawa with a man and a woman inside. Both vehicles left the Wawa.

Later that day, Trenton police officers eventually located the Honda Civic parked at Donnelly Homes and arrested a man in the vehicle and a female teenager who attempted to flee on foot.

Also on April 11, an attempted carjacking was made around 1 a.m. on Randall Ave. backfired when the female driver returning home from work took off in her 2010 Prius to escape a knife-wielding assailant, a Trenton police information officer said.

These criminal reports have value because residents should have full knowledge of incidents that occur in their community. Plus information outputs that can prevent future crimes.

Here is some information that can help you avoid becoming a victim of carjacking.

• Park in a well-lit area where others can see you and your vehicle.
• Take advantage of a valet parking service, if available.
• Park as close as possible to the main entrance of your destination.
• If possible, park within sight of a surveillance camera.
• Ask for help from an attendant, such as a doorman, parking attendant or security guard, to guide or keep an eye on you as you walk to your car.
• Be aware of your surroundings and look for suspicious people or vehicles near your car or following you.
• Walk with your head up and be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Have your keys ready as you approach your car and unlock your door quickly.
• Use your panic button feature if you think something is wrong.
• Quickly get into your car, lock the doors immediately and drive away. Do not sit in your car to call or text.
• In many cases, collaboration is the best alternative. No vehicle is worth getting shot or stabbed for. Cooperation may not guarantee a safe solution, although in most cases carjackers want your vehicle, not your life.

LA Parker is a columnist from Trenton. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at [email protected].