The Cleveland SAPS is urging residents to be vigilant when driving into or out of their property.
According to the Cleveland SAPS spokesperson, Constable Mpho Mashakane, the hijacking of people in their driveways has increased in recent weeks.
She said most motorists are blocked by the suspects’ vehicles as they drive in or out.
“Many people use remote controls to open their gates. Even when they drive out they open their gates without checking if it is safe. As they are at the gate, someone will suddenly appear and point a firearm at them. They are sometimes forced back into the house. Some people are robbed of their valuables and forced out of their vehicles. Most of the time this is the last time they see their cars. This put their lives in danger,” she said.
Const Mashakane said some residents are hijacked as they try to enter their properties.
“Some motorists open their gates while they are still some distance away without first checking their surroundings. After opening the gate, and as they are halfway in, someone confronts them, often pointing a firearm at them. They are then robbed. Sometimes they are forced into the house,” she said.
She said all these hijackings and robberies could be avoided.
“Be alert when driving. When you leave your property, check if there is anyone outside your property. If you see any suspicious activity, report it to your security company or call your sector vehicle to investigate before you drive out,” she said.
She said high walls are good but might enhance crime.
“When you are leaving a home with high walls, you might have to walk to the gate and physically check before you drive out as it is hard to observe anything when you are in a car,” said Const Mashakane.
She called on all motorists to be aware of their surroundings, even when they are driving.
“Stop using cellular phones while you are driving. You need to focus on the road and not the cellular phone,” she said.
She said when driving in the evening, motorists need to be more attentive.
“Check if there is a suspicious vehicle that is following you. If there is, drive to the nearest police station or a busy, well-lit area.
“Leave half a vehicle length in front of you so that you can use that space when you have to make an emergency escape,” she said,
Const Mashakane said residents have to keep their Cleveland SAPS sector numbers on speed dial on their cellular phones.
She said police officers in the sector vans are more likely to attend first as they are permanently patrolling the area.
“If the police have to drive from the police station to the scene, it might too late. But calling the sector van is better as it is always driving in the vicinity,” she said.
The Cleveland SAPS sector numbers are:
- Sector 1, which includes Bruma and Cyrildene: 071 675 6071.
- Sector 2, which covers parts of Kensington: 071 675 6072.
- Sector 3, which covers Malvern: 071 675 6073.
- Sector 4, which includes Denver: 071 675 6070.
