First, the owner of the white Toyota Probox stepped away for a moment. In that brief window, an assailant slipped into the driver’s seat, used keys left in the lock, and sped away. The vehicle later turned up abandoned in a ditch, where police recovered it. It is believed the same individual may have carried out another hijacking a few hours later, escalating concerns about roadside safety and passenger risk. A taxi passenger soon found himself caught up in this unsettling sequence, illustrating how quickly a routine ride can turn into a dangerous encounter.
The incident underscores a troubling pattern where a driver exits a vehicle and an opportunist seizes the moment. In many urban and suburban corridors across Canada and the United States, similar scenes have prompted calls for heightened cabin vigilance, secure key handling, and routine checks before leaving a car unattended. Communities are urged to stay alert, report suspicious behavior, and maintain awareness of surroundings when boarding or exiting vehicles. Passengers should remember to stay present and aware, even during seemingly ordinary stops, to help prevent opportunistic hijackings from becoming serious crimes.
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These events, reported by local traffic authorities, serve as a cautionary reminder to travelers and drivers alike. Observers are encouraged to practice safe habits: never leave valuable belongings in plain sight, keep doors locked when the vehicle is stationary, and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be the driver or offering a ride. While the exact circumstances vary, the core message remains clear: stay vigilant when a vehicle is involved in your transport, and seek immediate help if anything feels off.