5/1/08Warning about car theft

We have recently come across a car theft operation that could affect readers.

Walking across the car park, unlocking your car and then getting inside should be the most natural thing in the world.

The problem is that carjackers have found a way of turning this into every motorist’s nightmare. What they do is to place a piece of paper in the middle of the rear window, which you are unlikely to notice until you start to reverse out of the parking bay.

The natural reaction of any driver could well be to get out, leaving the engine idling (which is never a good idea in any event and could represent a motoring offence as well as potentially invalidating your car insurance). While you are removing the obstruction to your vision, carjackers could well leap out of nowhere and jump into the car, locking the doors and driving off.

The engine is already running, and you may also have left a wallet, purse, documents and other important possessions in the car. This activity is understood already to be in use in London and Manchester and could soon reach other parts of the country.

The simple rule must be never to leave the car while the engine is running—or even the keys in the ignition without the engine on.

If you find anything on your windscreen that obscures your vision, turn the engine off, remove your keys, make sure there is nobody suspicious about and lock the car. Only then should you clear any obstructions. If possible, it may be even better to leave the area and park safely before you remove the obstruction.