The Tema Regional Police Command has advised the public, especially motorists, to be wary of a car snatching syndicate operating in the Metropolis. The Command noted that the syndicate usually operates at gun point, between Spintex road, Lashibi, Sakumono as well as the adjoining route from the motorway through the Abattoir and the Ashaiman under bridge, Kpone and Dodowa. The caution was contained in a press statement signed by Chief Inspector Olivia Turkson, on behalf of Assistant Commissioner of Police Augustine Gyening, Tema Regional Commander on Tuesday. It said the criminals often hide in nearby bushes, palm and plantain growths and uncompleted buildings and emerge to rob motorists. The Command said the criminals sometimes use their female accomplices who ask for lifts and midway through the journey request to alight at a point where they would be robbed. The statement, therefore, called on motorists to keep their car doors locked and roll up their glasses to prevent such attacks. Motorists are also requested to look through their driving mirrors to observe cars trailing them and drive to the nearest public place or police station to report for immediate action to be taken. The Command advised the public to drive round a roundabout three or four times when being followed by a car and report to the nearest police station. Motorists are required to call the police on the following numbers for prompt response: 022-202936 and 022-202937. The statement called on the public not to hesitate in volunteering information on criminals to the Police as the Service is poised to fight crime and bring perpetrators to book. In another release, the Regional Command has alerted the public, especially those who board taxis and other commercial vehicles, to be wary of the mode of operation of criminals. It said the criminals most often board vehicles and draw their victims’ attention to the fact that the car door near them is not properly closed. They then volunteer to do so and in the course rather lock it and carry out their robbery. The release said some of the robbers also stand at various lorry stations and pretend to be waiting for vehicles only to snatch people's bags and mobile phones during the rush by passengers to board a vehicle. Source: GNA