Bruce in West Oz
Member
When I read the recommendations in this for our "safety" (close windows, lock doors at all times), why do I have a sudden vision of those truckloads of sheep that trundle down the roads, heading for the slaughterhouse?
Once again, the obvious answer is ignored -- encourage people to protect themselves from bodily harm and allow them the most appropriate tools to do so.
As for the boy genius from UWA's Crime Research Centre saying carjackings are a crime of "stealth", I suggest he get a new dictionary, because there is nothing "secret, clandestine or surreptitious" about being carjacked by people with knives and guns, or having your car rammed by another to force it to stop.
As an aside, one of the air vents on my car dashboard is broken — it won't stay open. I use a screwdriver to hold it open. Only the handle protrudes from the vent. It is on my side of the steering wheel, next to the door. I had a police officer tell me to remove it as it was an offensive weapon, and I could be charged with a weapons offence.
It's still there.
Once again, the obvious answer is ignored -- encourage people to protect themselves from bodily harm and allow them the most appropriate tools to do so.
The West Australian 26 February 2004
Police warn on carjacking threat
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By Luke Eliot - Chief Crime Reporter and Luke Morfesse
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POLICE are urging motorists to lock their car doors as routinely as they fasten their seatbelts in a bid to ensure they are not victims of violent carjackings.
Acting Insp. Mike Gough said yesterday that motorists should also be aware of their surroundings and people who appeared to be stranded, amid growing fears that Johannesburg-style carjackings could be increasing in Perth.
His warning came as criminologist David Indermaur said improved vehicle security systems could lead to a rise in the crime as thieves realised carjacking was an easier way to steal modern cars.
The fears are supported by a recent SGIO Insurance study which found there had been an increase in the number of carjackings in 2003 compared to 2002.
The report found that small cars were often targeted because they were driven by women and the elderly.
In the latest carjacking, the son of a Koondoola newsagent shot three times last month during an armed robbery was held at knifepoint on Monday before thieves stole $9000 from him. (The newsagent was, of course, unarmed. the BG pointed the rifle at his sister's face and demanded money. The newsagent leapt the counter and tackled the BG. The BG fired three shots -- the first skimmed the newsagent's scalp, the next two hit him in the body -- non-fatally, thankfully. The BG got nothing and fled. The police used the case as a warning to the general public to give criminals whatever they ask for and not to confront them, as this could "escalate the violence". The son was obviously tracked by the BGs as he went to the bank with the day's takings. When he stopped at a stop sign, they pounced.
About three weeks earlier, members of an African street gang armed with guns and knives were behind a carjacking spree during which a female driver of one car was abducted, a male driver of another car bashed, and several cars rammed.
Police, insurance companies and crime experts believe that while the chances of becoming a carjacking victim remain slim, the number of carjackings has increased.
Insp. Gough said motorists should lock car doors and close windows, or close them sufficiently to prevent access. People should also be aware of their surroundings, report suspicious people, and be wary of hitch-hikers or people appearing to be stranded.
"Wind your window down enough to speak with the person to establish what they need and perhaps offer to ring for someone to assist them rather than letting them into your vehicle or opening your doors," Insp Gough said.
Dr Indermaur, from the University of WA's Crime Research Centre, said carjackings were generally carried out by desperate people. "Most car thieves do not want a confrontation with the owner. . . it's a crime of stealth," he said.
He said the drop in motor vehicle theft in WA could be linked to the increase in carjackings.
As for the boy genius from UWA's Crime Research Centre saying carjackings are a crime of "stealth", I suggest he get a new dictionary, because there is nothing "secret, clandestine or surreptitious" about being carjacked by people with knives and guns, or having your car rammed by another to force it to stop.
As an aside, one of the air vents on my car dashboard is broken — it won't stay open. I use a screwdriver to hold it open. Only the handle protrudes from the vent. It is on my side of the steering wheel, next to the door. I had a police officer tell me to remove it as it was an offensive weapon, and I could be charged with a weapons offence.
It's still there.