The woman was driving south near Gladstone Street in Hall about 7am on Wednesday when she noticed a dark blue Ford Falcon sedan driving dangerously and tailgating her Holden Astra, an ACT Policing statement said.

The Ford collided with the back of the Holden and both drivers stopped on the side of the highway, before two men got out of the Falcon and approached the woman’s car.

“One of the men opened the driver’s door and struck the woman in the face before removing her keys from the ignition,” the statement said.

“The offender and his passenger then returned to their vehicle and drove away with her keys.”

Police said the driver of the Ford was described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his late 40s, with an over-weight build and fair-coloured hair.

He was wearing thin-framed glasses and a dark jacket.

The Falcon’s passenger was described as of Caucasian appearance, aged in his mid-20s with dark-coloured hair, and was wearing a leather jacket.

The Ford Falcon had NSW registration plates.

ACT Policing North District Superintendent Brett Kidner called on commuters or others who saw the attack or men matching the description to contact police.

“This is a callous act and it’s not the sort of behaviour the Canberra community tolerates,” Superintendent Kidner said.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.