- Sixty-eight per cent of all hijackings occur close to home, so you need to be vigilant when pulling in and out of your driveway. From 4pm until 8pm is the most common time when hijackings occur.
- 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 criminal wants 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 traffic. This gives you enough room to manoeuvre and escape if you have to, for whatever reason.
- Don’t fall for the “tap tap” trap where a driver bumps into the back of your car in traffic. Hijackers often use female drivers as decoys.
- Never get out of your car when it has been bumped in a “tap tap” incident; 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.
- Research shows that most people relax the closer they get to home and this is often when they are most vulnerable.
What to do if you are hijacked:
- Do 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 to 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.
- 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, etc.
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