Updated: E-mail warns of easy pickings by car thieves

The police have denied issuing an e-mail on precautions against car theft, however useful the information is.

The e-mail, which claims to have been issued by the Malta Police, warns motorists not to remove notes attached to their rear windscreen while leaving their car keys in the ignition.

It points out that at several car parks, motorists are finding paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. Many invariable stop their car with the ignition on and get out to remove the note.

"When you reach the back of your car, that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car."

It also points that in many cases, the carjacker would have escaped not only with the car but also money and keys.

Police sources also denied that any police constable was behind another e-mail warning that anyone caught driving while talking on his mobile phone would be fined €100 and have his driving licence suspended for one year.