CHECKING MOTOR BANDITS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 9, 8 December 1932, Page 4

CHECKING MOTOR BANDITS.

The frequent lrold-ups that have occurred in England recently have re- | suited in special attention being given ito road-users at night by the police, and the proportions which the menace of banditry has assumed may be judged by the fact that several prominent firms are merketing weapons with which motorists may repel the attack 'of bandits. One firm, for example, has revived the rubber truncheon, which should be especially suitable for carrying in the car for use against unwelcome visitors. A fa.ir blow from the rubber truncheon will lay a man out without breaking bones or shedding blood, or, it- is claimed, without the danger of putting the man out altogether. It can be stowed awav in a handy position for the driver of the car. Other devices include a formid-able-looking weapon which closely resembles an automatic, but is really a water-pistol, and another dangerouslooking “gun” which is actually a. cigarette-lighter. The old “dodge” of pulling out a pipe and holding it like a revolver was successful in frustrating a bandit who attacked a lonely motorist near Bedford recently. The man took to liis heels and made for his car. The motorist accelerated, running on the grass verge, just grazing the other car. and shortly afterwards got in touch with the police, but the bandit could not be traced.