A vehicle is more likely to be hijacked than stolen

Tips for mitigating risk

Tracker’s vehicle crime statistics for July to December 2024 indicate that across South Africa 56% of all vehicle crime incidents are hijackings, while 44% is theft. For personal vehicles, the national split between hijacking and theft is fairly equal.

However, hijacking becomes more pronounced when evaluating specific provinces in the country. In the Western Cape, a personal vehicle is twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen, and this rises to four times more likely in the Eastern Cape.

Conversely, in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, more personal vehicles are stolen than hijacked, at 52% and 61% respectively. Gauteng is still the province with the most crime. 58% of all vehicle crime and 55% of all hijackings occur in Gauteng.

Nationally, more vehicles are reported hijacked on Fridays, and between the hours of 4pm and 9pm. While theft is mainly reported on Saturdays, and between the hours of 4pm and 9pm.

Hijacking, while terrifying to the victim, can be a highly efficient crime for perpetrators. As vehicle owners become more aware of early warning tools and free tracking apps, it is becoming increasingly difficult for criminals to steal a vehicle without detection. A hijacking, however, allows criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents, without needing to override tracking technology.

Criminals target vehicles for a number of reasons, whether to sell them across our borders or locally for parts. You can’t afford to let your guard down. It is imperative to stay vigilant, understand prevailing trends, and take measures to safeguard yourself and your assets.

As an owner of a personal vehicle, mitigating vehicle crime means taking care no matter where you are, but being especially vigilant when arriving at and leaving home or the office, and when your vehicle is moving slowly or at a standstill. It’s best to avoid distractions while driving, keep valuables out of sight, and be wary of stopping on the side of the road.

Further precautions include using an app that shares your live location with a friend or family member – Share My Journey is available on the Tracker Connect Mobile App with the Tracker Care service. You could check whether your security company has a follow me home service and use it if you feel uncomfortable. You could also consider subscribing to Tracker CareGuard, a rapid emergency and medical response service.

To read the latest Tracker Vehicle Crime Index press release, click here.

To find out more about what you can do to prevent a hijacking, click here.

For tips on what to do if you are hijacked, click here.

To familiarise yourself with the process to follow if your vehicle is stolen or hijacked, click here.