A CARJACKING victim has warned drivers to be on their guard this summer after gun toting thieves tried to rob yet another motorist in a Redbridge street.

Ross Tillman was bundled out of his Mercedes C180 Kompressor while sitting at traffic lights near The Eagle pub in Snaresbrook last September by a gang of thugs who punched and kicked him before driving off in the car.

The 30-year-old, of South Woodford, believes motorists in the area are being targeted by criminals from other parts of London because of the high number of top-end vehicles here - a view that appeared to be reinforced again yesterday (Wednesday) when two thieves waved a gun at a driver in Northumberland Avenue, Aldersbrook.

The man managed to escape by reversing away from the pair, but crashed in the process.

The latest incident, which happened at about 2.40pm, comes just months after a thief drove into a pregnant mum-of-one in Cleveland Road, South Woodford, while stealing her BMW, and the theft of five luxury vehicles from outside a family home in The Green, Wanstead.

Mr Tillman, whose friend was also recently robbed at gunpoint for his Range Rover opposite the Napier Arms pub in South Woodford, said motorists can help protect themselves and their vehicles by taking a few basic precautions.

He said: "People work hard to buy nice cars and people just come along and take them. It's getting ridiculous.

"I'm a 16-stone rugby player but they still targeted me. It happens so fast you don't have any time to react.

"If people are hot they should just put their air conditioning on. Don't wind your window down.

"People should also make sure they get trackers fitted to their cars. If a car has a tracker the police are much more likely to be able to trace it.

"There's also a spray that you can get, which you put on your windows which makes them nearly impossible to break.

"You could even use a satellite system where you can call a number and get your engine immobilised if someone steals it.

"You just need to be careful if you have an expensive car, because these thieves will do anything to steal them."

Detective Superintendent Nick Simpson of Redbridge Police said: "Gun crime is on the decrease in Redbridge.

"Carjackings in Redbridge are still relatively rare, but there are criminals who are targeting cars through a variety of methods in the borough.

"There have been times when criminals are loading cars directly onto pick-up trucks or tow trucks.

"We have also got situations where people leave bin bags or other items in the street which makes the car owner stop and get out. The thief then gets into the driver's seat and drives off.

"If you see anyone behaving suspiciously please call 999."

The two men involved in yesterday's incident are both described as black and aged about 20. They drove off in a black-coloured saloon car with false numberplates.

Anyone with information should call Detective Constable Matt Fairall on: 8345 2711.