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DRIVERS URGED TO STEER CLEAR OF CAR JACKERS

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POLICE in south Birmingham are warning drivers to steer clear of car-jackers in an attempt to stop vehicle crime. Teams of police officers, police community support officers and Specials from Belgrave Road Command unit will be patrolling on foot and on motorcycles at major junctions in south Birmingham. As well as deterring potential thieves, officers will be opening the doors of cars with goods in plain view when they are stopped at the lights to give them crime prevention advice.

Traditionally these offences coincide with the end of British Summer Time when the clocks go back and it gets darker earlier in the evening. Most victims are traveling home from Birmingham city centre using the main routes to the south of the city in the evening 'rush-hour' between 4-7pm.

While car security has improved with technological developments – better locking devices and more sophisticated alarm systems – cars still appeal to thieves.

Police are warning people never to leave keys in the ignition even for a split second. Incidents have occurred where people have left keys in the engine when at bottle banks, petrol stations or even when de-icing the car on cold mornings. That’s all it takes for a car thief to seize the opportunity to steal a car.

In particular police are targeting the owners of high performance cars and want to make people aware of how they can protect themselves and what to do if carjacked.

Thieves have been known to place a traffic cone in front of vehicles in order to block the driver’s exit so they have to get out of their car to remove the cone. The carjacker will then jump in the car and drive off.

Police are advising drivers to keep all car doors locked, windows shut and valuables like handbags and laptops out of sight under a seat or in a glove box.

Inspector Geoffrey Mourton from Edward road police station, said: “The risk of someone being carjacked in the West Midlands is extremely slim, however it can happen. There is no need for alarm but if people are aware of how carjackers and opportunistic thieves operate, what they are looking for, plus some basic crime prevention measures they can help to reduce the risk.

“If someone is threatened by a carjacker we strongly advise they don’t argue and hand over car keys immediately. It’s the car the criminals are after, not the owner.”

Advice from West Midlands Police for all car owners:

· If you are bumped or rear-ended in a suspicious way, do not leave your car. Lock the doors and windows and drive to the nearest police station
· Never leave the keys in the ignition when leaving your car, e.g. when paying for petrol or getting a ticket to park.
· Be alert when you are outside, consider who is around you and keep keys
· Keep keys out of view when going to the bank or paying for petrol
· Be aware of other cars around you. Never stop too near the car in front
· Before getting out of your car, check your surroundings – wherever you are. If you feel uneasy do not park, drive off
· Invest in a tracking device so if your car is stolen it stands a better chance of being traced
· Use your common sense. Trust your instincts. Stay out of danger.

If you see anything suspicious call 0845 113 5000 or in an emergency 999.

If you do become a victim, phone the police immediately on 999. Don't wait until you get home.

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