The Verona Police Department is alerting residents to a carjacking last night at the Pilgrim Plaza shopping center.
According to the VPD, a woman called the police to report that her car had been bumped from behind by another vehicle as she was trying to leave the Pilgrim lot. When she got out of her vehicle to see if it had been damaged, two suspects got out of their vehicle. While the woman spoke with the driver, the other suspect went into her car. At that point, the driver pushed past the woman to return the bumping vehicle and the suspects fled in both vehicles.
The woman’s car was tracked to East Orange thanks to the manufacturer’s built-in security device. The VPD says the incident is under investigation but has not released any other information on it.
The Essex County Sheriff’s Department has posted some tips to avoid trouble from a “bump” accident or carjacking attempt. It recommends driving with the windows rolled up and doors locked, and to avoid routes that are not well-traveled or well-lit. If your vehicle is “bumped,” don’t shut off the ignition and don’t immediately exit your car to inspect the damage. If you feel you’re being followed, drive to the nearest police precinct, fire station or open store, and contact the police. If someone tries to force you off the road, blow your horn constantly to attract attention.
