Photo: huffingtonpost.com

Recently there has been an increase in Melbourne in the crime of carjacking.

This is a new form of car-stealing. In the past, most stolen cars were parked in driveways or in carparks. Usually no one has been in the car at the time. In the case of carjacking, drivers are forced out of their cars by a number of methods.

A police superintendent in Queensland believes that carjacking is more common because modern cars, with alarm and anti-theft devices, are harder to steal. When they are in use, these devices have no effect. In May the Victorian Police started Operation Cosmas to deal with this type of crime. Since then, they have made over 75 arrests. They are also analysing the crimes and have police patrols looking out in local areas.

Most of the cars stolen are top range models, such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Also, they are being stolen from the “richer” suburbs such as Malvern, where these kinds of cars are more plentiful. However, there are many reasons why someone will steal a car, so it is not safe to assume that your car or your suburb will not be a target for thieves. Be aware of the tricks these thieves will use, so you can prepare yourself in advance.

One method is to pull a driver out of the car when it is parked at traffic lights. Thieves take advantage of the fact that many drivers will be paying attention mainly to the traffic lights.

Another method is “bumping”. The driver of another car runs into your car, or scrapes it, causing a minor accident without damage. When you get out of your car, the driver's accomplices get out also and take over your car. They are often armed, with crowbars, baseball bats, knives or firearms.

There have also been cases where a car has tried to force another car off the road, or waved at them to pull over. The thieves might pretend to need assistance, or even pose as plain clothes police in an unmarked car.

There have also been cases where someone has broken into a house just to steal car keys. What is especially alarming is that many of these crimes are committed by people as young as 16. So, what can you do to prevent becoming
a victim?

• Keep your doors locked when you are driving.
• Look around you and be aware of anyone who seems suspicious or seems to be taking an interest in you and your car. Do this particularly when you are parked at traffic lights, or returning to your car in a carpark, even if the carpark is outside.  
• Don't tail-gate. Leave yourself room to overtake the car in front of you if it suddenly stops.
• Stay in your car, even if so meone bumps into you at a traffic light or stop sign.

Call 000 for assistance or if you see an incident like this happening. If you think you have seen such an incident, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Span Hanna