Shock for drivers as police open up cars

Police officers in the West Midlands will be opening the car doors of motorists in waiting traffic to highlight the dangers of car-jacking.

The crime tends to rise at this time of the year due to the clocks going back and days getting shorter.

Now West Midlands Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be opening drivers' doors at key congestion points in the region. Two of the hot spots targeted will be Birmingham's Belgrave Middleway and Hagley Road, where car-jacking has occurred.

Detective Inspector Sam Ridding said the aim of the scheme was to improve motorists' personal and vehicle safety.

DI Ridding, who is based at Steelhouse Lane police station, said: "The risk of someone being carjacked in the West Midlands is extremely slim, however it can happen.

"There is no need for alarm but if people are aware of how carjackers and opportunistic thieves operate, what they are looking for, plus some basic crime prevention measures, they can help to reduce the risk."

Officers opening people's doors will be dressed in obvious high-visibility jackets and will be targeting cars at rush hour.

DI Ridding added: "By alerting car owners in this way, officers hope motorists will be encouraged to always lock their car doors and keep windows shut when in traffic.

"Officers will also be giving out vehicle crime leaflets and talking to drivers to offer some key crime prevention advice, to prevent them from becoming a victim of vehicle crime."

Officers are also warning drivers not to leave their car if they are knocked into in a suspicious way and to simply drive to the nearest police station.

Other advice includes never leaving keys in the ignition when defrosting the car on colder mornings and not having keys on view when going to the bank or paying for petrol.

A poster campaign warning people of the threat of opportunistic stealing has also been launched.