Top cop vows to crack down ‘horrific’ carjackings

A top cop has vowed to crack down on “horrific” carjackings after two elderly victims were recently threatened with weapons.

Western region assistant commissioner Michael Grainger has said “horrific” carjackings are on the rise.

A top cop has vowed to crack down on “horrific” carjackings after two elderly victims were recently threatened with weapons.

Western region Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger said aggravated carjacking incidents were “unique” and often gave offenders a “thrill”.

Geelong recorded two frightening carjacking incidents within a week of each other last month.

Gary, 75, was allegedly threatened with a firearm and pulled from his car in Iona St, Norlane on February 20.

It’s alleged the offender drove off in the victim’s Holden Commodore which was later discovered in Warrawee Ave.

The man with the firearm allegedly confronted police who then shot him.

Gary was threatened with a firearm and pulled from his car in Iona St in Norlane earlier this year. Picture: Mike Dugdale

Six days later on February 26, an elderly woman was allegedly threatened with a knife and forced out of her car at a busy intersection in Hamlyn Heights.

When Monica Maynard fronted the Geelong Magistrates Court the next day, police alleged the 24-year-old approached the vehicle and threatened the 74-year-old driver with a kitchen knife.

Ms Maynard yelled at the woman to get out of the vehicle, got in herself but failed to drive away as police said she “could not figure out it was a push start”.

Ms Maynard was allegedly drug affected at the time of the incident and will return to court in May.

Mr Grainger said police would have a strong focus on car crimes this year, including theft of and from motor vehicles.

“In most cases, there is no confrontation with members of the community to access their vehicles,” he said.

“We have had a couple of recent incidents … where offenders have publicly taken on road users but they are unique events.”

Mr Grainger said while police had not yet seen a trend of carjackings, incidences were on the rise.

“There has certainly been a spike but they’ve been dealt with and those responsible have been put before the courts,” he said.

“It doesn’t minimise the incredible harm that sort of behaviour does to both the victim and the broader community.”

Police are encouraging drivers to lock their car doors and keep valuable items, such as laptops, out of sight in a bid to deter criminals.

“(These) simple things we can do as members of the community to make it a bit harder for the offender to pinch our gear are incredibly important,” he said.

Originally published as Top cop vows to crack down ‘horrific’ carjackings