Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Over the past few weeks there have been increased reports of carjackings and thefts, specifically in the Corporate Area.

Although statistics were unavailable last night, a detective corporal attached to the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) told The Gleaner that, like in previous years, there has been an increase in car thefts during the Christmas season.

"It is increasing because criminals want vehicles to move around in the festive season to carry out their wrongdoings," the detective corporal said.

The police reported that, last week, a man was in the parking lot of an Old Hope Road apartment when two men on a motorcycle rode up behind him. The men pulled a firearm and asked for his car keys. The car was later recovered in the Constant Spring Area.

"This time of the year vehicles are in high demand, as more persons are purchasing cars, and criminals steal vehicles, tamper with them and then offer them to potential buyers," the police corporal said.

The main mode by which these criminals operate is by trailing motorists to their homes and then carrying out their robberies. The preferred car of use is the white Toyota Corolla.

Church functions

Cars are also being stolen at church functions, such as funerals.

"These criminals will pretend like they are part of the function or congregation," the detective corporal said. "Then they sneak out and drive away with a vehicle while people inside are worshiping."

The targeted areas, reported the police, are St. Andrew Central and North; and Kingston 8, 19 and 20.

Inspector Wesley Christie of the Matilda's Corner Police Station label these criminals as "itinerant", meaning they commit their crimes in different communities.

"Not that they concentrate on one area. They move around, depending on where they surface and where opportunities to do wrong present themselves," said Inspector Christie.

He told The Gleaner that, on Tuesday night, two persons known to be involved in the car stealing ring were arrested by the Matilda's Corner police. They are to face an identification parade on Monday.

The Inspector is imploring victims of crime to have their incidents reported.

"Failing to report does not facilitate proper planning so the person who did the wrong (can) be taken off the street," said Inspector Christie.

Some of the noted hotspots for car stealing or hijacking: