BE SENSIBLE, be observant and don't fight back!

That was the message from Prestwich's leading police officer, Inspector David Jones, when he spoke to the local business community about carjackings.

He said being more alert and aware could prevent motorists becoming a target: "The victims we have spoken to said they didn't realise what was happening. They say 'you wouldn't believe how quickly they took the keys from me'.

"Mine are in my trouser pocket and that's where they stay. And they come to bed with me; I don't leave them downstairs near the door on a hook."

Insp Jones said one lady who was the victim of a carjacking actually saw a group of young men acting suspiciously but she still parked her car nearby.

He added: "They were wearing balaclavas and she thought they looked odd! We also often get witnesses to this sort of crime who say 'if only'."

"Live life sensibly, observantly and don't put up a fight. Don't struggle with them."

Insp Jones was giving advice to Prestwich Business Forum on Tuesday night (May 4) about carjackings after one of their members was attacked last month.

The businessman, who did not wish to be named, was parking his Saab 93 in Dashwood Road, Prestwich, when three masked men pounced.

The 36-year-old quickly rescued his sleeping six-year-old son from the back seat before the men snatched his car keys and made off in the vehicle.

Insp Jones said: "Since that incident on April 14 we have not had any car jackings, which is partly down to policing, good luck and the weather."

He said that Bury was the safest borough in Greater Manchester to live and people were less likely to become victims of crime but added: "Pro-rata we have had more than our fair share. Prestwich particularly is a relatively affluent part of Greater Manchester, like Stockport, Bolton and Oldham, and you would expect that these parts suffer like they do. The villains will go where the pickings are best."