Car Hijackers

[Alf]

The other night a car drove close behind my car and flashed its headlamps constantly at me while I was descending the A58 near Blackstone Edge towards Littleborough. I pulled up partially blinded thinking it was an umarked police car and the other car pulled alongside and the driver said he was a police officer and accused me of speeding.
I became suspicious and asked for his ID but I still got out of the car (mistake) and walked across to the other car just as the passenger in the other car got out and walked towards me. He then seemed to change his mind turned round and got back in the car and they drove off. I thought at the time because I was bigger and uglier than him that it was a possible robbery attempt they had bottled.
I reported the incident to the police and next day they asked me to come in and make a statement. Apparently they think the same two men had tried a similar trick (this time telling the driver his rear tyre was flat) about half an hour later and stolen the victim's car (to be used probably in a later crime) , he tried to stop them and was dragged down the road and badly injured.
I don't drive a flash car and these cars aren't always used as getaway cars according to the police. The criminals want a car that will not attract attention and most cars anyway can easily be driven through a shop window!

So please be aware out there driving on those quiet roads returning at night from club/training runs or anywhere really!!

[TheHeathens]

And remember unmarked police cars still have blue flashing LEDs and sirens (just not visible like on marked ones).

That's not a go at you Alf - just something to be aware of.

[Ady In Accy]

Sounds like you had a lucky break Tony. Not much point arguing the case with a potential bank robber if it does happen to you. Might sound weak but let 'em have it, at least you get to spend you car insurance payout unlike your life insurance payout!

[emmilou]

Blimey Glad you're ok Tony.

and yes unmarked cars do still have flashy blue lights

[Al Fowler]

Thats shocking that.
I dont know if all cars these days have central-locking but its quite reassuring to know you've got that to help you if ever needed. (If you've got it)
Its worrying that these scum-bags dont care about the trouble it causes for the victims - They should get their foot cut off, they'd never do it again then.


Did they say anything when you asked for I.D?

[marty mcfly]

This is what you need:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fDrzMGdYWZc

[southernsoftie]

Glad it all ended without any drama.

[OneHillWonder]

Oh glad you are ok

Not nice

[Alf]

And remember unmarked police cars still have blue flashing LEDs and sirens (just not visible like on marked ones).

That's not a go at you Alf - just something to be aware of.

I take your point TH but I think the way it was done really didn't give me much thinking time. They were not behind me for a long period they just suddenly appeared off the last bend of that section and were behind me in an instance blinding my rear view mirror and when I looked through my side mirror I saw a flashing light as well but it was white not blue. You don't have much time to think in circumstances like this but ignoring a police car was very much in my thoughts!
The blue light occurred to me when I said I was suspicious though I also considered an off-duty police man as well! It was the road positioning right alongside me blocking the carriageway (and blocking my exit incidentally) as I had managed to get off the road rather than pulling in front or behind me that made me suspicious and the fact they didn't get out of the car straight away. When I asked for ID the driver said he would show me some ID and I then sat there for about a minute with nothing happening and then got out of the car (which was obviously what they hoped I would do) turning the engine off and pocketing my keys. I believe the later victim left the keys in the ignition and when he went to the rear of the car the passenger jumped in and drove off with the victim trying to stop him. I think the guy who got out of the car may have realised I had the keys and he would have to take them off me!. It was easier for them to drive on and find an easier target.

[TheHeathens]

I take your point TH but I think the way it was done really didn't give me much thinking time. They were not behind me for a long period they just suddenly appeared off the last bend of that section and were behind me in an instance blinding my rear view mirror and when I looked through my side mirror I saw a flashing light as well but it was white not blue. You don't have much time to think in circumstances like this but ignoring a police car was very much in my thoughts!
The blue light occurred to me when I said I was suspicious though I also considered an off-duty police man as well! It was the road positioning right alongside me blocking the carriageway (and blocking my exit incidentally) as I had managed to get off the road rather than pulling in front or behind me that made me suspicious and the fact they didn't get out of the car straight away. When I asked for ID the driver said he would show me some ID and I then sat there for about a minute with nothing happening and then got out of the car (which was obviously what they hoped I would do) turning the engine off and pocketing my keys. I believe the later victim left the keys in the ignition and when he went to the rear of the car the passenger jumped in and drove off with the victim trying to stop him. I think the guy who got out of the car may have realised I had the keys and he would have to take them off me!. It was easier for them to drive on and find an easier target.

Absolutely my friend - you had a lucky escape and I know the body just reacts instinctively in cases like this, there is little room for rational thought.

I just throught it would be useful for others to know that unmarked cars still have blue LEDs (usually coming out of the radiator grill) and sirens. I only know because I was on the M60 and there was a Vauxhall Astra VXR tailgating me; I sped up and up but it kept tailgating me before flashing its blud LEDs (at this point I think I was doing 102mph). I moved over and it sped past so I assume they were tracking someone else.

Lucky escape though!