A team of carjackers has struck thirty times in recent months. They target the Stockport and central and south Manchester areas.
Audi A3s, Golfs, a BMW covertable, Mini Coopers, and even a Maserati have been taken. It is believed the high-powered cars are being used to commit crimes.
Today police urged motorists to be extra vigilant after the crime spree which started in November.
Detective Sergeant Richard Arthern said: "We are concerned about a rise of car jackings in the area and we are doing everything we can to identify those responsible and determine whether it is the actions of a few individuals or an organised crime group.
"Regardless of who is behind this spate, we will do everything in our power to bring them to justice.
"In the meantime, we would ask motorists to be vigilant and follow a few simple steps to lessen the risk of falling prey to this sort of crime.
"We would point out that by far the highest number of incidents relating to the theft of cars are where car keys are left in the vehicle while the owner pays for petrol, buys a newspaper or goes back into the house while the car is warming up on the drive. By ensuring that keys are not left easily accessible through letterboxes or windows, the public can help us to reduce offences even further."
Police are urging motorists to:
- If you feel at risk or vulnerable, lock all doors. Always wear a seat belt as this makes it harder for a robber to pull a driver out of the vehicle.
- When returning to your parked car, remain aware of your surroundings and do not use a mobile phone, which reduces your awareness of what is going on around you.
- If you have remote locking, only open the doors when you are at the vehicle.
- If the vehicle is being left unattended, lock it and take the keys with you.
- Never leave bags, coats, briefcases, laptops, on view, even when the car is occupied - put them in the boot.
- Don't leave the keys where they can easily be reached by thieves, for example on a table near to the door or on a window sill.
- Don't leave keys in an unattended coat pocket or on view in bags.
- If you become the victim of car-related robbery, don't offer any resistance but try to remember as much detail as possible about the offenders and the circumstances of the incident.
Anybody with information regarding these incidents is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 6074 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Stevedore, Quayside (23/02/2010 at 10:50)
If you feel at risk or vulnerable, lock all doors. Always wear a seat belt as this makes it harder for a robber to pull a driver out of the vehicle.
When returning to your parked car, remain aware of your surroundings and do not use a mobile phone, which reduces your awareness of what is going on around you.
If you have remote locking, only open the doors when you are at the vehicle.
If the vehicle is being left unattended, lock it and take the keys with you.
Never leave bags, coats, briefcases, laptops, on view, even when the car is occupied - put them in the boot.
Don't leave the keys where they can easily be reached by thieves, for example on a table near to the door or on a window sill.
Don't leave keys in an unattended coat pocket or on view in bags.
If you become the victim of car-related robbery, don't offer any resistance but try to remember as much detail as possible about the offenders and the circumstances of the incident.
Oh, the joys of owning a car.
Mark,Radcliffe. (23/02/2010 at 11:59)
Mad Welsh Scotsman, Cadishead (23/02/2010 at 12:03)
Deejay, Bury (23/02/2010 at 12:39)
Some responsibility should be put at the door of the police, who should be actively pursuing these criminals
Audenshaw Bob (23/02/2010 at 12:43)
As for the advice form the police yet again it is saying that it is our fault if we leave things on show. Theft is the fault of the thieving low life criminal, not the ordinary Joe going about his day to day business.
In the article it says 'Police are urging motorists to:'
How about we have:
'Motorists are urging Police to:'
I'll start it off:
Have more police on patrol (not behind desks or attending gender alignment conferences) to deter crime rather than only being around after the event.
Judge Dredd, Manchester (23/02/2010 at 13:48)
emma (23/02/2010 at 18:33)
This was said to be a result of a joyriders' family successfully sueing the police when he died because HE crashed the stolen car HE was recklessly driving - work that one out??!
smit88888 (23/02/2010 at 22:04)
Mark Oliver (24/02/2010 at 11:43)
Groucho F (26/02/2010 at 19:52)
Anyway, out of curiosity, just how many times in the last year have stingers been used in our city? how many stingers do GMP have?
How many helicopters do GMP have? How many hours per month are the choppers in the sky? what is the success rate?
Gordon Jackson (23/03/2010 at 22:04)