OWNERS of high powered and luxury cars are being warned to be on their guard against carjackers.

The warning from Bury Police follows a spate of raids throughout the borough where motorists have been forced to hand over their vehicles.

Prestwich and Whitefield have been the worst hit areas by carjackers over the last six months.

The most recent incidents involved the theft of a £35,000 BMW from Prestwich and a £20,000 Subaru Impreza from Hillingdon Road in Whitefield.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood of Bury's operational police unit said that carjacking was a problem plaguing not just Bury or Manchester but the whole of the country. He added: "Those at risk are people who own high powered and top of the range cars such as BMWs, Subarus and expensive sports models. These owners must be aware of what is going on around them and protect their property."

In a bid to beat the carjackers, DS Heywood has issued the following advice to motorists:

If you think you are being followed by another vehicle, drive to the nearest police station or a busy, crowded area.

Lock the car doors when stopping at traffic lights or junctions.

Remain aware of suspicious characters loitering near traffic lights.

Keep property including handbags and purses hidden from view.

Be prepared to drive on if a car pulls up behind you outside your house.

If targeted, draw attention, sound the horn and flash the headlights.

Use mobile phones to alert police to following suspicious vehicles and give precise locations. Report all incidents.

Do NOT get out of the car or challenge thieves.