Police warn of carjackers

IN the midst of the Carnival season, police are warning citizens to be vigilant when securing their cars. Sgt Christopher Swamber of the Stolen Vehicles Unit warned people, especially those with electronic keys, to be wary of carjackers and car thieves.

Swamber explained that owners of cars with electronic keys are at higher risk of being robbed by an armed carjacker.

“People using electric keys should be aware that they are targeted for robbery, as the keys cannot be duplicated except by the manufacturer,” he said Wednesday at the weekly police press briefing at the Police Administration building.

He said in many instances where robbers or carjackers would attempt to steal a car, they are armed. Their main objective is usually to get the vehicle, and they would do anything – including physically harming the victim – to get it.

Drivers were advised to be aware of their surroundings and of people loitering in areas near where they would park, such as outside their homes and near their driveways. If someone sees suspicious-looking people loitering, they can first make a block and go back, and if the people are still there, they should call the police. Drivers were told to always park their cars in a well-lit area, preferably near a camera.

When buying a car, police also say people should be cautious. “Vehicles of this type (those that use electronic keys or key less entry) have been found re-registered, and with different chassis and engine numbers”

Police also said when approaching stop signs and traffic lights people should also be vigilant. Carjackers have been known to use these opportunities.

“Carjackings occur at traffic lights where people are hit from behind and when the victim exits the car they are held up. Always leave sufficient space with the vehicle in front of you, so that in the case of an emergency you would be able to escape.”

He added, drivers should always keep their windows up and their doors locked while on the road. If a driver stops at a light and feels they are being targeted by a carjacker, they should call the police immediately.

Drivers should also make sure security measures – like alarms, transmission and steering-wheel locks, kill switches and other security measures – are installed by a trustworthy and reputable company. They should be able to ask their security firm as many questions as they need, and if the company refuses to answer a question, this should be considered a major red flag.

Most of all, police advised drivers to be aware of their surroundings and not to leave their vehicles unattended or with children, keys, or any valuables.