SAPS tips: know what to do when faced with car hijackers

Benoni SAPS spokesperson Lieut Nomsa Sekele said the community must at all times remember that the perpetrator is armed and probably nervous.

“They want to get what they want and leave, so aggression, resisting and talking back by the victim can make the situation even more dangerous,” said Sekele.

The SAPS gave the following tips:

•  Cooperate with the perpetrator/s and give them what they want. Your valuables are not worth your life.

•  Never look directly at the perpetrator.

•  Keep your hands visible at all times and, if you have to move, do so slowly.

•  If you are thinking of opening the vehicle door, explain to the perpetrator/s that you are doing so.

•  Inform them that they can take whatever they want but ask them to please leave you unharmed. If the perpetrator has to spend too much time next to you chances are you will be hurt.

•  If you can, try and memorise whatever you can, eg. their clothes, the car they are driving and registration, but bear in mind that they don’t want you to look directly at them.