Police seek witnesses to 'traumatising' attempted Melbourne carjacking
A woman who fell victim to a "traumatising" attempted car jacking at a car wash in Melbourne's north is now fearful of leaving the house alone.
The young woman was approached in broad daylight at a Thomastown car wash about midday on Monday when a stranger approached and complimented her car.
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Moments later she begging for him to let her go after he pulled out a pocket knife and demanded her keys.
"I was really panicked," the 20-year-old said today.
"I was going to call police but I didn't have my phone in my hand."
A young woman now feels panicked going places alone after an attempted car jacking in Melbourne's north. Nine
The offender circled the young woman on a bicycle, before he approached her a second time on foot and made the threat.
Senior Constable Trent Oehme of the Mill Park Divisional Response Unit described the incident as "brazen".
"It is alarming to hear this can happen in broad daylight and as a member of the public, everyone should have the right to wash their car, with peace of mind in a safe place," Snr Const Oehme said.
Senior Constable Trent Oehme said people should feel free to go about their daily activities without fear. Nine
The young woman said no one should feel fear when going out alone, especially in broad daylight.
"I'm a bit panicked when I go places alone or walking through bushes or dark areas.
"I'm more mindful of my surroundings knowing that people target anyone."
The brave victim fortunately escaped unharmed, but had a message for her attacker.
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"No matter what your circumstances are don't make poor choices because it will affect someone else for a life time, it will traumatise me for the rest of my life and you got nothing out of it.
"It does more to you than it does for me in the end."
He is described as being Islander/Maori in appearance, about 172cm tall with short black hair.
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He was wearing black clothing, white Nike runners and carrying a distinctive multicoloured backpack and riding a black mountain bike.
Police are urging anyone with further information or who witnessed the event to contact Crime Stoppers.
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