Tips that could stop you from becoming a hijacking statistic
JOBURG - No motorist is immune to the threat of hijacking and motorists should, therefore, be vigilant and cautious at all times, the Gauteng police warned.
“Depending on the type of car or model being sought by hijackers or other culprits, all motorists are potential victims,” said police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe.
Areas near intersections, stop signs or driveways, whether in the townships or suburbs, are regarded as hot spots at all times, Selepe said.
According to Selepe, the police are taking several steps to combat hijackings and smash-and-grab incidents around the city.
These included frequent police patrols and intelligence-driven “disruptive crime prevention operations” to derail criminal plans as well as strengthening police visibility, she said.
According to the police’s crime statistics, carjackings and truck hijackings in suburbs in northern Johannesburg had seen a decline from 992 in 2010 to 631 in 2012, but had since increased each year with 697 incidents this year.
The Gauteng police have provided some tips for motorists to safeguard against hijackings.
- Limit trips at night.
- Avoid stopping at remote areas.
- When travelling, make sure that all your car doors and windows are closed.
- If something seems suspicious, avoid talking to strangers and rather drive away.
- Vary the routes taken to frequent destinations where possible.
- Car hijackers sometimes stage minor accidents and motorists should drive to the nearest public place before they stop.
- Hijackings happen most often at driveways and stop streets. Be careful of being followed and avoid stopping for strangers.
- Suspicious people and vehicles should be reported to the police immediately.
- If hijacked, do not resist the hijackers.
