The Actonville SAPS has experienced an increase in cases of hijackings in Wattville and Tamboville over the past 10 months.
Spokesperson Sgt Godin Nyathi said the hijackings usually occur between 6pm and 11pm.
“The victims are mostly people who don’t say in the area,” said Nyathi.
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“Most of the incidents occur at night when people are sitting in their vehicles with friends or a girlfriend,
“Motorists sitting in a parked vehicle at night attract criminals.”
Nyathi said the perpetrators take the occupants of the vehicles with them and then drop them off at an unknown location.
“Be warned that these hijackers are focused on doing a job – taking the vehicle – and the occupants of the car should not get in the way of this.
“We urge residents not to resist, argue or fight as this can result in injury or worse.”
In one incident, reported in December, a man and his girlfriend parked their vehicle on a pavement of a home in Wattville.
“Two men, one armed with a gun, approached the couple,” said Nyathi.
“The couple was forced into the backseat at gunpoint.
“The hijackers drove off with them and dropped them in an open veld in Dawn Park.”
Tips to avoid becoming a victim:
• Be on the lookout for suspicious people.
• Be familiar with your environment.
• Lock your car doors.
• Park inside the yard or garage.
• Avoiding sitting in or using your cellphone in your car at night.
“We urge residents to take note of this warning from the police,” Nyathi said.
“Police will continue patrolling these areas to try to curb this trend and we encourage residents to come forward if they have any information on the culprits.”
To report crime, visit the Actonville police station at 73 Singh Street or contact them on 011 964 6000.
