Vehicle and Driving Security

VEHICLE SECURITY

• Vehicles should be as anonymous as possible. Avoid insignia and stickers, which could identify the car and its owners. The red diplomatic plates are an unfortunate fact of life, but not something that is immediately obvious in busy traffic or at night.

• If the threat is significant, you might consider changing your license plates.

• Keep your car in a good and serviceable condition.

• Know where your jack and spare wheel are, and how to change a wheel in the event of a puncture.

• Fit locking wheel nuts where possible.

• Fit a locking fuel cap.

• Fit a removable radio/cassette/CD player if possible.

• Lower your radio aerial when parked.

• Never leave your keys in your car – always lock your vehicle, even when leaving it for a short while.

• Park in well lit areas.

• Always lock your vehicle, even if it is in a garage.

• Make sure the car alarm is armed whenever you leave the vehicle.

• Consider fitting an immobiliser (If not standard), e.g. a gear change lock.

• Do not leave valuables visible in your vehicle: radios, cameras, briefcases and packages attract attention and can tempt thieves to break in.

• While waiting for someone, avoid parking in lonely spots.

• When visiting, drive as close to the premises you are visiting so the vehicle can be seen.

• Drivers should be very cautious when travelling alone at night. If you feel you are being followed, drive to the closest area you feel is safe, or the closest police station.

• When driving at night, select your route carefully and avoid quiet and unlit roads.

• Keep all windows and doors locked while driving.

• Be alert at stop signs and traffic lights.

• Do not keep registration documents in your vehicle.

• Know your vehicle, and when searching for an explosive device you should know what should be on, in or under the vehicle. 

DRIVING

• Know your route and be aware of where you are at all times - in Tripoli the purchase of a compass will prove invaluable; as the Sea is North of the city this provides an excellent reference point.

• Wherever possible, know where the nearest safe haven is; Police, Other Expat, trusted local, other Embassies, etc.

• Vary your parking places if your destination has no secure parking.

• Make sure your vehicle is left with the doors and windows locked.

• Drive with your windows and doors locked, particularly in unknown areas.

• Keep your distance between your vehicle and others.

• Be alert to cars and motorcycles, which may be tailing you.

• If you think you are being followed, take evasive action. Go around the block or do a U-turn, but keep moving and head for a safe area.

• Avoid crowds and demonstrations – note security advice of difficult events and their location, date and time.

• Try not to get boxed in.

• If you are directly threatened, try to keep calm and keep the vehicle moving, even if it is slowly. Close all the windows and make sure the doors are locked. Switch on the anti-theft siren if fitted, or sound the horn.

• If threatened, you will have to decide if positive action is necessary and what you should do. For example, it may be better to accelerate out of danger. If the attacker drives alongside your vehicle, you are vulnerable to them broad-siding you. A sudden stop or turn may outwit the attacker. Do not attempt to run them off the road, as your vehicle will lock onto theirs.

• It is essential to know what your car will take in the way of damage and its acceleration and turning capabilities.

JOURNEY PLANNING

• Before embarking on any journey, you must consider the following:

• Check your fuel level before each journey. Try and ensure you have at least half a tank at all times. Consider taking spare fuel if necessary.

• Check oil, tires, water and coolants regularly.

• Plan your routes to avoid know trouble spots and danger areas. Consider informing the police if you cannot avoid such areas.

• Tell the office where you are going, with routes and timings.

• Study maps (Google Earth for Tripoli) and take them with you.

• It is good practice to have a flashlight in your vehicle toolkit.

• Take emergency telephone numbers with you and telephone numbers of your starting point and destination.

• Find out the locations of possible "safe havens" along your route. These may include police stations, hospitals, military establishments or friendly missions.

• Know your blood group. Take first aid kits and know how to use them. Make sure your passengers do too.

• Avoid travelling at night in unknown or remote areas.

• If circumstances demand it, travel in convoy.

PARKING

• When parking in daylight, try to picture what the area will look like at night.

• Always try and park in well lit areas.

• Park as close to your destination as possible.

• Always try and reverse into parking spaces, so you can get out quicker.

• Before leaving the vehicle, be aware of anyone loitering.

• Do not leave anything of value in sight within the vehicle.

• Lock the vehicle when leaving it.

• On returning to the vehicle again check for persons loitering.

• Have your keys ready in your hand, when you return. Fumbling around in bags and pockets can make you an easier target for would be attackers.

• Always check inside the vehicle for intruders, before you get in.

• Lock the vehicle as soon as you are inside.