Hijackings Still One of Most Feared Crimes among South Africans

Tips on avoidance and what to do in a hijack situation.

One of the biggest fears that plague South African motorists is the unfortunate incident of being targeted in a hijacking. Violent hijacking statistics have however shown a decrease over the last few years due to increased policing and private security measures. While this is good news for motorists across the country, it is by no means a reason to become complacent.

“It is often a simple case of a victim driving a particular car that an ‘order’ has been put out on,” explains Jerry Pierce, Operations Manager of Cartrack South Africa. “Statistically you are more likely to be hijacked during weekdays, especially on a Friday, between 16h00 and 20h00 in the evening, with hijackers commonly using unlicensed firearms to commit the crime.”

Most hijackings occur in the victim’s driveway. “It all boils down to the driver being vigilant and aware of their surroundings,” says Pierce. “Take note of vehicles that are following you and pay attention to drivers that are behaving suspiciously. Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear of shrubbery and pay attention to pedestrians or vehicles that are parked close to your home. Never pull into your driveway while you wait for your gate to open. Don’t leave your keys in your vehicle while opening a manual gate and never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Alarm bells should be ringing when your pets do not greet you at the gate upon your arrival,” he adds.

“If you ever feel uneasy or unsure, drive past your driveway and go to your nearest police station or a public place with a lot of people to avoid becoming a statistic. If you subscribe to a private security company, notify them immediately of your concerns and drive to the closest patrol car. Many security companies offer an escort service for their clients when entering or leaving their premises – make use of it,” Pierce advises.

Any parent’s deepest fear is to have their child stuck in the crossfire in the event of a hijacking scenario. “In this situation it is crucial to remain calm no matter how difficult that may sound. Tell the hijackers that there is a child or children in the vehicle and that you are going to remove them from their seats. Do not make eye contact and keep your focus on your children and keeping them calm. Always keep your hands visible and don’t make sudden movements. If, for whatever reason, you need to exit your vehicle while a small child is still strapped to a baby seat, take your car keys with you as a ‘bargaining’ tool. Always instruct older children to leave the vehicle when you do, to get them out of harm’s way,” says Pierce.

Hijackers are however less likely to target a victim that has a small child in the vehicle as it poses much more of a threat to the hijacker. “Parents are exceedingly protective of their children and therefore more likely to react unpredictably. The golden rule to remember is that the criminals are looking for someone that will comply with their demands – quietly - with minimal resistance,” explains Pierce.

If you are unfortunate enough to fall victim to a hijacking incident and you manage to come away from it unscathed, remember to alert your vehicle tracking service provider to afford the authorities the means to corner the hijackers. The speed at which you react is absolutely of the essence to ensure a successful recovery.

“Do not try and activate a panic button while you are in a hijacking situation as this could anger a hijacker, who is more than likely already on edge. Your ultimate and only objective is to get away from the hijacking physically unscathed, with your loved ones. The vehicle is of no consequence and can be replaced, lives can however not. Only once you are out of harm’s way, activate your remote panic button or contact your vehicle tracking company,” says Pierce.

It is important to be compliant, but observant, should you fall victim to a hijacking situation. “It’s the smaller details that are essential such as the direction that they came from; the hijacker’s build, sex, body movement, clothing, distinctive marks and any conversation that may have taken place,” explains Pierce.

A major factor contributing to criminals resorting to hijacking is the growing black market for vehicle spare parts.

Alarming insurance industry statistics paint a concerning picture of under-insurance, or a total lack of any insurance, on an estimated 40% of the 10 million cars on South African roads. This statistic is significant as it is one of the key drivers behind the existence of illegal chop shops and backstreet panel beaters that deal in stolen car parts.

“Illegal chop shops and back street panel beating is a booming trade, and the reason they can fix vehicles at absolutely cut rate prices is because they fund their businesses mostly through criminally obtained parts. As long as cash-strapped and irresponsible vehicle owners create the demand for these back yard services, criminal syndicates will continue to operate and flourish,” says Pierce.

It’s a vicious circle as innocent people become victims of crime in armed robberies and hijackings to fuel the illegal parts trade. “If you have or are considering using a back-street operation to repair your vehicle, you have to ask yourself whether you are prepared to live with the consequences,” warns Pierce.

Stolen vehicles are even taken cross border due to waiting lists. “You can wait up to eight or nine months for the delivery of a legitimate vehicle in several of our neighbouring countries. There is definitely a strong correlation between vehicle theft rates and the proximity to the border in this specific instance,” says Pierce.

South Africans need to approach their safety and security more holistically, employing stringent security checks and measures from their vehicle through to their homes and driveways. “While the violent hijackings that gripped South Africa a few years ago are not as prevalent, vehicle theft and hijacking stats are still very high and a sobering reality of suburban life. Being super vigilant as well as putting in as many stops to prevent crime and safeguard yourself and your loved ones is a reality for South Africans,” he concludes.

Cartrack has been independently and officially audited with a vehicle recovery rate of 95%. Not only is this currently one of the highest recovery rates in the market by a significant margin, but Cartrack is also the only vehicle tracking company in South Africa to open its recovery books for official auditing by an external auditing firm.

For more information call Cartrack on 0861 22 78 72 or go to www.cartrack.com
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