Keeping you and your vehicle safe

With two more so called ‘car-jackings’ reported yesterday evening, I fully understand why some motorists may feel vulnerable when out driving alone.

I do not underestimate the impact of these incidents on those people involved, but it is important to highlight that despite these recently reported car-jackings, the likelihood of becoming a victim of this type of crime is slim. Thousands of motorists travel safely along our roads daily.

That said, we are very concerned about the recent spate of incidents. We have increased our resources in the city centre and have implemented a comprehensive pro-active police operation to prevent these crimes taking place, investigate, detect and arrest those responsible and put them before the courts.

The majority of these recent incidents have been ‘opportunist’ in nature – so please follow these simple personal security steps:

While driving:

• Keep your doors locked.


• Keep windows closed or partially closed - enough to prevent someone from reaching in and unlocking doors or grabbing items.


• Do not place items, such as handbags, phones, laptops, in full view on the passenger or back seat. Put them on the floor under your seat, in the glove box, or lock them in the boot.


• If you are forced to stop abruptly, keep your engine running and make sure you have enough room to drive away.


• You MUST stop for the police but it's quite reasonable to ask for identification through a closed window and keep the engine running until you are satisfied.


• Beware of anyone who tries to signal that there's something wrong with your car, unless you know they're right and it is dangerous to drive on.


• If another driver gets out of their vehicle or pedestrian approaches you and you have concerns about their behaviour, flash your lights and sound your horn.


• If you have an alarm, set it off.

When parking or returning to a parked car:

• Park in well lit, busy areas or car park.


• When approaching your parked vehicle, be alert to anyone hanging around and if necessary walk past your car and report anything suspicious to the police immediately.


• If your vehicle has an alarm fitted with a panic button and you think you are being approached suspiciously, activate it.


• As you approach your car have your keys ready, if the car design allows it, unlock the driver's door only and once inside lock you doors.


• When you stop your vehicle, for example to get fuel or purchase a parking ticket, never leave your keys in the ignition or engine running, and always lock your car.


• Keep an eye out for fellow motorists and report anything suspicious immediately to the police.

Your Police Service will continue to do everything it can to prevent incidents of this type occurring, but you can assist us and keep yourself safer, by following the simple steps outlined.