Police appeal for witnesses Woman is car-jacked at lights

Police yesterday continued to appeal for witnesses after a woman was car-jacked in Coatbridge.

The 39-year-old became aware of the driver’s side door being opened by a man outside her vehicle as she sat at traffic lights.

The frightened female was then threatened with an object and told to “get out the car” during the incident on Whifflet Street.

As she obeyed his chilling command, she removed the keys from the ignition and picked up her iPhone – but was forced to hand over the expensive mobile to the thief.

As the man got into her car, the victim made her way to another vehicle for help which was sat at traffic lights nearby.

She then called the police to the crime which took place last Monday at around 8.30pm, across from Whifflet’s Big Tree pub.

The culprit allowed the car to roll forward before he hotfooted it onto School Street with a number of stolen personal items and a sum of money.

Constable Hardeep Singh Dulai, of Coatbridge police, says CCTV footage is being reviewed.

He told the Advertiser: “This was a frightening experience for the woman concerned who was simply going about her own business when she was targeted.

“Thankfully, she was uninjured.

“There were a number of witnesses who were in their own cars whilst stationary at the traffic lights and we have spoken to them.

“But I’d be keen to speak to anyone else who was nearby and who may have witnessed the incident.

“We’ re cont i nuing significant enquiries into this incident which includes reviewing CCTV.

“The area of Whifflet Street where this happened is a very busy thoroughfare so I am confident that there will be people who may have been nearby that haven’t spoken to police yet; therefore I would urge them to get in touch.”

Anyone who may have information can call Coatbridge police using the non- emergency 101 number.