Change law to tackle carjackings says MLA

“The alarming reality that has been highlighted around a large number of arrests made on carjacking is that there is a very high level of duty of proof which the police must overcome to have these individuals prosecuted” said Mr Craig (pictured).

“This has unfortunately led to a lot of those arrested having to be released on bail terms while the police build up a forensic case.

“Given the prevalence of carjacking at this time, maybe now is the time to look at lowering the evidential bar with regard to this crime,” he continued.

“Adopting some of the tactics that the government employed around the judicial system in England around the time of the riots last year where people were identified as having committed the crime and were judged, sentenced and committed to prison all within a matter of days may be the way forward.

“In light of the increase in these crimes I would warn female drivers to be very vigilant when driving alone in certain parts of the greater Belfast area. I have been assured that the PSNI are continuing to pursue every avenue possible to eradicate this problem.

“As the number of copycat crimes around this issue increases monthly the police need to adopt a zero tolerance policy along with the judicial system to deal with this issue.”

Mr Craig also praised police who arrested four men in Dunmurry after a carjacking in the greater Belfast area.