According to Fidelity ADT, over the last few weeks there has been a definite increase in the number of hijackings in the Benoni area, specifically in Rynfield, Bredell and Northmead.
Milly Barnard, Fidelity ADT community development manager, said much of the crime seems opportunistic.
“Criminals will be on the lookout for easy opportunities to take advantage of, so the key is to remain alert and vigilant at all times,” she said.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said hijackings occur but are not problematic in these areas.
“However, in Rynfield house robberies and burglaries are problematic, and they occur during the day and at night. In Northmead, burglaries occur during the day when people are at work and during the night in Northmead Extension Four. There has been an increase in theft of motor vehicles, especially those parked on the street,” said Sekele.
“We, therefore, again warn the community to thoroughly do a background check when employing domestic workers and gardeners and also not to leave tools outside as criminals are opportunists. If vehicles are parked in the street for some reason people must at least monitor them. When you are being hijacked do not play hero and fight the hijackers.”
On July 14, members of the Benoni SAPS arrested three men, aged between 22 and 42, for being in possession of stolen property and house break-in in Northmead.
“The description of the suspects’ vehicle was given and they spotted the vehicle in Aerodrome Drive, where they gave chase, stopped it in Webb Street and arrested them,” said Sekele. “Inside the vehicle, police found the stolen items. Members traced the owner, who identified his belongings and confirmed opening a burglary case. Further investigation linked one of the robbers to another case in Krugersdorp.”
The four suspects appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on July 15. They remain in custody till their next appearance on July 27 for a formal bail application.
Fidelity ADT and the National Hijack Prevention Academy provided some tips:
- Remember that 68 per cent of all hijackings occur close to home, so be especially vigilant when pulling out of your driveway or coming home.
- Between 4pm and 8pm are the most dangerous times for hijackings.
- 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 on 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 before 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 criminals want 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 maneuver and escape if you have to, for whatever reason.
- Do not fall for the “tap tap” trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic. They often use female drivers as decoys here. Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage, 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, so always remain vigilant. 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:
- The first and golden rule is do not antagonise the hijackers. You need to show them you are not a threat.
- Lift 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 and 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 area.
- 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.
- Once the hijackers have left, you need to call the SAPS on 08600 10111. Thereafter any emergency numbers on a cellphone by dialing 112 on any network or 147 on Vodacom lines.
“A hijacking can be a terrifying and traumatic experience. Do not be afraid to speak to a friend or counsellor after the experience. The easiest way to deal with the event is to have someone to speak to. We are living in a tough economy and crime is definitely on the increase. Fidelity ADT has increased visibility in the area, but we are urging residents to be vigilant,” said Barnard.
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