'I was a wreck for weeks': Wolverhampton councillor tells of car-jacking horror
A councillor says she was traumatised for weeks following a terrifying car-jacking on her drive - as she launched a bid to help other victims of violent crime.
Sandra Samuels was dragged from her £42,000 Mercedes by a crowbar-wielding thug at her home in Goldthorn Park, Wolverhampton, in November before watching helplessly as he drive away.
She has now teamed up with police charity Crimestoppers and Victim Support to to promote support services available for victims. The action comes amid a spike in violent crime in the Black Country in recent weeks, including stabbings and car-jackings.
Recalling the shocking attack, Councillor Samuels, who represents Ettingshall ward, said she was left devastated and in shock for weeks afterwards.
She said: "I was completely mortified. Emotionally I was a wreck for weeks. It was frightening, it was devastating. I was in shock for days - I was on my drive.
"Thinking about it now it was a learning curve. It has encouraged me to raise awareness to ensure others out there take care. It has made me far more vigilant, it has made me think twice."
Her E300 Mercedes was never retrieved and she said she was told it probably "went to a shipping container" and was "probably abroad".
Determined to help
After her own shocking experience, Councillor Samuels said she was determined to help others who have been in the same situation.
She said: "What I am saying is if this does happen to you there is help out there, the support is there.
The Labour councillor believes falling police numbers and a lack of visibility has played a part in increasing crime.
She said: "The climate has changed. Individuals are far more vicious and think nothing of approaching you and attacking you.
"I think there needs to be more visibility. It is too easy for criminals to take your car and drive off with it. I don't think there is sufficient deterrent."
Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East Pat McFadden, who was at The Workspace in All Saints Road to support the campaign, said: "Sandra Samuels went through a horrendous, terrifying experience a few months ago.
"She has shown great bravery and strength to try to recover from that and get back out campaigning in the community she represents."
He added: "Crime is a national emergency and should be treated as such. The Prime Minister should be co-ordinating a national group on this from all the different bits of Government to get a real grip and focus on this."
