19 Jun Hijacking Safety Hints

While recent SAPS Crime Statistics indicate that vehicle hijacking appears to be decreasing in frequency, with 4,533 incidents reported in the first quarter of this year, it remains a major risk; drivers are warned that a vehicle is more likely to be hijacked than stolen. Tracker’s crime stats show that 56% of all vehicle crime incidents in South Africa are hijackings, while 44% are thefts.

When and where

Gauteng tops the list with 45-55% of SA’s hijacking incidents, although the Eastern and Western Cape are increasingly becoming high-risk areas.

According to a report by Arrive Alive, most hijackings occur near the victim’s home, with Friday afternoons between 4pm and 9pm being the peak time – possibly because victims are tired and less focused at the end of a busy week, and relax more as they approach their home.

What vehicles are being targeted?

The main vehicles being targeted are among the country’s bestsellers, with popularity a factor that may impact on whether a particular model becomes a target. Sometimes it isn’t about the vehicle itself – some are taken to be stripped for parts. A study in May by Gauteng News lists the following as the most popular targets: Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Polo, and Toyota Fortuner in the top three positions, followed by the Ford Ranger, Nissan NP200, BMW 3 Series, Toyota Quantum, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Hyundai H1, and the Audi A3.

It isn’t only about passenger vehicles. The Road Freight Association has noted a dramatic increase in hijackings that target e-hailing and courier vehicles. According to Tracker, these incidents are highly lucrative, as criminals acquire the vehicle, the goods being transported, and the driver’s personal belongings such as their mobile phone, wallet, etc.

Where is it most unsafe?

According to the National Hijacking Prevention Academy, high-risk locations are areas where vehicles are moving slowly or have stopped completely. This includes residential driveways, stop streets, traffic lights, and busy intersections. Also risky are filling stations, parking lots, and areas where drivers commonly stop to collect or drop off passengers.

While most incidents are planned, often according to a ‘shopping list’ of desirable vehicles, certain hijackings may be spontaneous and opportunistic, such as when a driver pulls over to answer a phone call, rest, change a flat tyre, or deal with a similar vehicle maintenance issue.

Safe driving practices

• Stay alert and aware of what is happening around you. Never be distracted by your mobile phone, loud music, or your passengers.
• Keep valuables out of sight – preferably in the boot of the car.
• Be vigilant about who is following you. If you suspect that you are being followed, ask a passenger to phone your security company, or drive to your nearest police station. Do the same if you notice suspicious-looking parked cars near your home or at a filling station. Trust your instincts.
• Maintain a safe following distance in traffic to allow room to get away if necessary. Try to avoid being boxed in by neighbouring vehicles.
• Slow down when approaching an intersection or stop street so that you may not have to stop completely.

What to do if you are being hijacked

Your life is more precious than your belongings, which can be replaced. Try to remain calm and avoid provoking your attacker/s. Don’t make any sudden movements or establish eye contact. If possible, ask to exit the vehicle and take your passengers, especially children, with you.

Please note: The information contained in this article is not offered as ‘advice’ in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 2002 as amended, and policyholders should consult with their intermediaries and refer to the policy wording so as to ensure a full and complete understanding of the cover offered to them in terms of the Safire policy of insurance.