According to local police spokesman, W/O Imtiaz Yakub Rasool hijacking patterns in the area suggest that these crimes are taking place when victims are leaving for work or returning home, either in the early hours of the morning or late hours of the evening.
He says cars targeted are high-performance and luxury vehicles such as Audi A3, VW Golf GTi and cars that can be utilised as local taxis, such as the Mazda 323, the old Toyota Corolla, the Toyota Conquest and the Tazz.
“We ask residents that before getting home, they should observe their surroundings and if they suspect anything, refrain from stopping at your gate and just drive past.
“If you feel like or see you are being followed by suspicious people or vehicle go to the nearest police station, but should you be unfamiliar with the area and don’t know where the police station is, rush to an area where there are a lot of people,” he says.
Rasool adds that you can also contact 10 111 when you feel you are in trouble, but don’t stop your vehicle.
He also urges that it is imperative for the drivers and passengers not to fight back when they are being hijacked.
“If you are driving between 10pm and 3am you need to be very alert and if possible when at a robot, stop sign or four-way stop, observe traffic and if it is clear and safe to do so, proceed, as hijackers might target you in quiet or dark areas.
“The help of the community members is always greatly appreciated so they can provide information to crime stop on 08600 10111 or they can SMS information to the prime media crime SMS line on 32211 or contact the local police station on 011 730 4723/42,” he says.
“All information will be treated as confidential and the identity of the caller will remain anonymous if they choose,” he says.
