‘Bumping’ theft: Five men wielding baseball bats attack driver before stealing his luxury car
Five brazen robbers brandishing baseball bats have carried out a terrifying carjacking, also known as ‘bumping’, on a man driving a Mercedes in an affluent suburb in Melbourne.
‘Bumping’ incidents have recently been on the increase and refer to the brazen act of a vehicle ‘slightly knocking’ another vehicle on the road with the intention of stealing the car when the driver stops to inspect the damage.
The alleged victim took to social media to share his terrifying experience and issue a message of warning to other motorists in a post that has been shared more than 5500 times.
Avondale Heights resident Michael Tallal pulled over his Mercedes on Toorak Road in Toorak at around 2am on Monday after his car was hit from behind by another vehicle in what he believed to be a routine and accidental car collision.
However, when the 29-year-old exited his vehicle he claims he was repeatedly attacked and brutally struck on the head with a baseball bat.
Police have since confirmed his claims.
The large group of men then demanded Tallal hand over his keys and mobile phone.
Once Tallal did as instructed the men sped off in his Mercedes.
The alleged victim also said his glasses and watch were broken during the cowardly attack while he was attempting to shield his face during the brutal incident.
He was later transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Tallal stated that police confirmed to him that the men responsible for the attack are members of a gang committing similar crimes all over Melbourne.
As part of his warning on social media Tallal wrote, "If you are driving and somebody "bumps" your car from behind, CALL THE POLICE before exiting your car," he wrote.
"The 'gang' is operating all over Melbourne so regardless of what area you are in, please be vigilant and take care."
Tallal also told Fairfax Media that when he was released from hospital he found out his car had been used for "numerous other crimes" in Melbourne.
Taskforce Tense detectives are investigating.
Police also believe the car was used in a home invasion and aggravated burglary in Cranbourne later on the same day.
It is believed four or five males kicked the front door in and stole a number of items before being confronted by one of the occupants, who had armed himself with a baseball bat.
The males fled the scene in awaiting cars, possibly a white sports car and a grey hatchback.
According to Tallal and police, the robbers involved are believed to be of African and Islander/Maori appearance.
Yahoo7 has reached out to Tallal for further comment.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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