A spate of hijackings and robberies at petrol stations across Gauteng has prompted the SAPS in conjunction with other industry players to issue an alert to all motorists to be especially vigilant. This was announced by Fidelty ADT in a press statement issued this morning.
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Last week alone there was an incident at a petrol station in Illovo and another in Roodepoort. According to research compiled by the Institute for Security Studies, hijackings in South Africa have increased by 55 per cent in the past four years to at least 40 hijackings daily. Gauteng is cited as the hot spot for vehicle theft and car hijackings, with almost two out of every three incidents occurring in the province.
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Vishal Premlall, director of the South African Petroleum Retail Association (SAPRA), said petrol stations are targeted as hot spots for hijacking or robberies and warns motorists to stay alert.
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Fidelity ADT Community Development Manager, Linda Reeder said it is important that motorists plan their routes carefully, so they don’t have to stop in high risk areas to fill up. “Ideally choose three preferred suppliers along your daily routes and make sure you change your routes regularly,” she said. She advised not to fill up in the early hours or late evenings.
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“Most importantly a petrol station is not a place to let your guard down. Stopping to re-fuel your car, is definitely not the time to stop and make calls or check your phone for messages. It is an open invitation.”
“Windows need to be closed at all times and your boot should also be locked.” Reeder said unlocked passenger doors are an invitation to steel goods lying loose or to hijack a car.
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“A favourite tactic is to be distracted by people coming up to your window and whilst they are speaking to you through the window, another person comes around your car and opens your passenger door.”
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Premlall said it is important for motorists to understand that most petrol stations are not equipped to manage this type of risk and certainly all attendants are unarmed. Social cohesion advocate, Yusuf Abramjee suggested petrol stations have a single entrance for entering and exiting the premises and that technology needs to be used to fight crime at fuel stations. He suggested allocating each petrol attendant a panic button, to automatically activate the closure of a boom-gate or spikes. This would close in criminals and prevent them from leaving the premises.
Reeder said when at a petrol station, ensure you are aware of your surroundings and have a back-up plan in your mind in case of an emergency. “Act in a way that you would if you know you are being watched, because you probably are being watched.”
