Violent carjackings appear to be on the rise in the Sevare-Mopti region of Mali, and in the north of Niger, with four-wheel drive vehicles the target of choice. A few tips to avoid becoming a victim: 1. Talk to locals and find out what the high crime areas are and avoid them whenever possible; 2. Identify and avoid traffic choke points; 3. In slow-moving traffic, stay at least a half-car length behind the car in front of you, so you cannot be boxed in; 4. Be alert as you approach your locked vehicle and once you are inside, lock your doors.
