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Police in Stockport are urging motorists to lock up and remain vigilant after two car-jacking incidents.

Since the start of the year, there has been a car jacking in the borough and also a failed attempt where the offenders did not get the vehicle. Officers are investigating both incidents.

To help reduce the chances of falling victim to this crime, police are urging car users to be on their guard at all times and to take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their vehicles.

Detective Constable Alan Smith, from the Stockport Division of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Both incidents feature a group of offenders targeting high value or high performance vehicles and in one case a women was driving alone.

“Carjacking is a vicious crime that is often linked to other forms of criminality. To make yourself as safe possible remain vigilant and aware of what is happening around you when approaching or leaving your vehicle and while driving.

”In the rare event that you feel an accident has been ‘staged’ to make you stop, or are concerned that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station to report it or drive to a safe public place where there are potential witnesses.”

Police offer the following tips: -

- If travelling alone make sure the doors are locked

- 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, etc. on view, even when the car is occupied – put them in the boot.

- Always make sure your car is securely locked, even if it is on a drive or in a garage. Use additional security devices or alarms you have fitted or consider buying some.

- If you are unfortunate enough to become the victim of car-related robbery, don’t offer any resistance but try to remember as much detail as possible about the offender(s), their vehicle and the circumstances of the incident.

You can call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

Only call 999 in an emergency or where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit gmp.police.uk.