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Hijacking ploys trick drivers
Page 14
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TRUCK HIJACKERS are using new tactics to get drivers to pullover, according to Truckpol.
Mark Hooper, head of the Metropolitan Police road freight crime unit, says the usual method is to pretend the number plate has fallen off: "The thieves steal the trailer plate when the truck is parked up in a service area. When it sets off, they overtake it and wave the plate at the driver, implying that it fell off He pulls over and when he gets out of the cab, leaving the keys in the ignition, of course, they drive off with the truck.
"The other one is to pull up alongside and point to the back of the truck and say: 'Your doors are open mate!' Again, when the driver pulls into a lay-by to check, if he leaves the keys in, they'll have the vehicle away.The simple message from us is to pull over — because it may be genuine — but call it in to the firm and take the keys with you when you leave the truck."
Julian Arnold, boss of Kent-based TLC European, says two of his drivers have been the victims of attempted hijacks recently: "The first time, a car pulled alongside the truck and told my driver his doors were open. When he went round the back of the truck the offender tried to get into the cab.
"The second time my driver was threatened with an air rifle. I have warned my drivers to always lock the cab and take the keys with them at all times."
• Two column tricked a driver into stopping before stealing his truck and an £80,000 load of Cadbury's Roses chocolates. The men fooled him into stopping by waving a number plate. As he inspected his truck one of the men jumped in and drove away (CM 25 March).