How to keep your children safe during a hijacking

The National Hijack Prevention Academy warned the public of an increase in the number of hijackings.

Mr Richard Brussow, from the academy, and Mr Theunis Kotze from ADT warned about this increase.

“Hijackings are usually run by syndicates that need the car for parts or drug trade. Syndicates tend to plan ‘restocking’ on weekends and on Mondays, but hijackings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are also high due to the need to restock,” said Mr Kotze.

Mr Brussow said children are seldom taken in a hijacking.

“Criminals know that when children are involved, their crime escalates to a priority crime which will attract a lot of attention,” said Mr Brussow.

Women traveling with children must ensure the eldest child is seated behind the driver and the younger child to the left.

“While hijacking is a concern for all drivers, women in particular are often concerned about their safety and that of their children,” he said.

“When you are with your children in a hijacking, exit the vehicle slowly and move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door. Victims should place one foot firmly in the car, on the floor behind the driver’s seat, and lean across to retrieve the youngest child. The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can get both children out of the car at once. Remember to stay as calm as possible. If the hijackers panic and the vehicle starts moving before you have your children out of the car, your firm footing in the vehicle will throw your body weight into the car with your children, as opposed to you being left behind and the hijackers speeding off with your children,” said Mr Kotze.

Hijack prevention tips:

•  Remember that 68 percent of all hijackings occur close to home, so be especially vigilant when pulling out of your driveway or coming home. 4pm to 8pm are high-risk times.
•  If you have an electric gate, do not pull into your driveway before opening the gate. This can allow hijackers to box you in. Rather open your gate while your car is still in the road to allow a quick getaway if necessary.
•  If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home. By doing this, you force the vehicle behind you to pass and you can then get a better idea of their intentions.
•  If you need to stop in your driveway to manually open the gate, always leave the key in the ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car. If your child is in the car, take the key with you as you open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – the criminals want your car and you want your child.
•  Always make sure you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you when you stop in the traffic. This gives you enough room to move and escape.
•  Do not fall for the ‘tap tap’ trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic. They often use female drivers as decoys here. Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage but rather drive to a busy location. Signal to the other driver to follow you. If it is not legitimate, they will seldom follow you.
•  If you stay in a secure complex with security guards, do not be fooled into thinking you are safe. You can easily be followed into your complex so always remain vigilant.

What to do if you are hijacked:

•  The first and golden rule is to not antagonise the hijackers. You need to show them you are not a threat.
•  Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender.
•  Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral.
•  Be cautious not to use your right arm to lean across your body and undo your seatbelt or unlock the door. This could be construed as you reaching for a gun.
•  Do not switch off your car.
•  Get out slowly and try and angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on. Also, remember to protect your head with your arms and to lift your shoulders to protect your neck area.
•  Do not turn your back on the hijackers – your organs are most exposed from the back.
•  Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers but still try to take in what they are wearing, the sound of their voices.