CAIRO - Due to the lack of security in Egypt, crime is on the increase. Even some honest citizens have been forced to resort to crime, having lost their jobs because of private-sector downsizing, due to the economic problems. They have to survive and support their families, while everything has increased in price since the Egyptian uprising. One of the crimes that has risen dramatically is carjacking. The armed thieves usually strike in remote areas and often target lorries and motorcycles too. “Taxi drivers know that it is very risky to drive to remote areas like Al -horuouq City and Badr City, as they may get robbed and have their cars stolen, due to the lack of security,” says Essam, a cabbie. If a driver refuses to hand over his vehicle to the carjackers, they generally shoot him dead. “My friends were on the Ismailiya Desert Road, driving to Al-Shorouq City, when a truck with four armed, masked men on board started tailing them. “They hit the accelerator but the truck was too fast for them, smashing into the back of their car, which flipped over twice. Two of my friends were knocked out by the impact, while the gang shot the other two. “A lot of people have reported this gang to the police, but they're still operating, robbing and killing innocent motorists,” says Aya Essam, an architect. Most people never see their cars again. But police have caught some of the gangs, who smuggle the stolen vehicles into the Gaza Strip. “My car got stolen from outside my home in Nasr City; I don't know how the thieves did it, as you need a special key to start the engine. They didn't make a sound. I'm amazed no-one noticed. “I went to the police station to report this incident. Officers told me that, every five minutes, someone reports a carjacking. Sometimes the thieves don't steal the car; they just smash the window and steal the valuables inside. “One of my neighbours had his new high-tech racing motorcycle stolen in broad daylight from the entrance to his building. The thieves couldn't start it, because it requires a special key, so they had to carry it onto their truck. Hundreds of passersby must have seen this happening,” says Ekram Abdel-Samad, a businessman. Motorists should take a look at the Southern African Police Service (SAPS) website, for some useful tips. A driver should never leave his children alone in his car, as, if someone wants to steal it, the loss of life could be great. If an armed criminal wants to steal your car, remain very calm and do whatever he tells you. The criminal is just as afraid as you and he might panic and shoot you dead if you make an unexpected move, especially if he's been taking drugs. Do not reach for your possessions, as that might also scare the criminal; do not threaten or insult him. The motorist and his passengers should try and make a mental note of the criminal's voice, shape and height, but without starring at him. As soon as he has stolen your car and driven away in it, go to the nearest police station as soon as possible to report the incident, as it is easier to catch the gunman while he's still driving the stolen car. Drivers should never leave their car papers in the car and should always keep their mobile phones about their person, so they can phone for help immediately after the incident. If a driver feels that he's being followed, he should try and make for the nearest police station or the nearest populated area. He should not put anything valuable in a visible place, but in the boot. Avoid taking short cuts through dark areas; always choose populated and well-lit roads. Try not to stop for other cars.
