TWO more women drivers have been targeted by hijackers in Belfast, police have confirmed.
On Monday teatime, a man ordered a woman passenger from a car on the Lisburn Road.
She refused and as the man drove away, passers-by helped stop the vehicle.
Later, a woman was forced by three men to hand over her car keys in Donegall Street.
The car was later found crashed and abandoned in the Norglen Parade area.
At least ten cars have been hijacked in the city over the past two weeks.
The latest incidents come as a semnior police officer urged motorists to step up their security.
Many of the carjackings since the start of the New Year have occurred in the north and west of the city.
“We take this issue extremely seriously and have been conducting rigorous investigations into these incidents,” said Chief Superintendent Alan Todd.
He said drivers could take a number of steps to prevent themselves becoming a hijacking victim, such as “locking doors and windows in built-up areas and especially at traffic lights”, and keeping valuable items out of view.
“Never pick up hitchhikers or give lifts to strangers and always plan your route and take a map to avoid asking strangers for directions,” the senior officer continued.
“Never leave your keys in the ignition when not in the vehicle – even if you have passengers in the car, always take the keys with you.
“We would also advise drivers to be wary of anyone who tries to signal that there’s something wrong with your car, unless you believe they may be right and it is dangerous to drive on.
“If you have pulled over for someone and you have concerns about their behaviour as they approach your vehicle, flash your lights and sound your horn. If you have an alarm, set it off.
“When parking, drivers should wait until they are close to the car before unlocking it, and if the car design allows it, unlock the driver’s door only. If you park on the street choose a busy, well-lit place, and have your car keys ready as you return to the car.”
Addressing the growing public concern, Chief Supt Todd said that despite the recent attacks, “the chance of being a victim of this type of crime is still rare”.
