Published Thursday, 02 February 2012
A taxi driver was attacked and his windows smashed in an attempted hijacking. (© UTV)
Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum was updating the Policing Board on the work of the taskforce, set up in response to a spate of attacks on drivers and subsequent car thefts.
"We hope that this presence not only provides a visible deterrent to anyone who may be planning to engage in such activity, but that it builds public confidence," he said.
In the last month, there have been 16 hijackings or attempted hijackings in Belfast.
Despite similarities - in many of the cases, lone women were targeted and a number of stolen cars were later found in the west of the city - police don't believe the incidents are necessarily linked.
We would ask that the public continues to remain vigilant when it comes to car security.
PSNI Chief Superintendent Alan McCrum
To date, eight males have been arrested and hijacking-related charges have been brought against three people - a 15-year-old boy and two young men, aged 19 and 22.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public, who have come forward with information," Chief Superintendent McCrum said.
"It is clear that communities do not want this type of activity and we value the support that we have been receiving to help identify individuals involved."
A dedicated investigation team has been appointed to follow up on all available lines of enquiry, while the taskforce has also been drawing on the skills and support of a relatively new unit which monitors priority offenders across Belfast.
"The Reducing Offending Unit deals with the offenders who often cause the greatest harm within local communities," Chief Superintendent McCrum explained.
"It aims to ensure that individuals who continue to engage in criminal activity are closely scrutinised and brought before the courts."
As of January 26, 102 priority offenders were being monitored by the Reducing Offending Unit across Belfast - 88 adults and 14 juveniles.
Police continue to appeal for information about any of the recent hijackings - members of the public can contact officers or pass details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.