RESIDENTS who are intent on keeping safe on the roads, attended an anti-hijacking talk hosted by Umbilo CPF, with well-known Johann von Bargen at Penzance Primary School on Thursday night.
Johann, aka JVB, spoke to the residents on techniques to help prevent hijackers taking their car before they got to them.
He explained that there are two different types of hijackers, professional and amateur. However, most hijacking incidents which took place were carried out by professionals who were after the vehicle and did not want to harm or kill anyone to get it.
“What they really want at the end of the day is money, not you. They will only keep you in the car with them until they can deactivate your immobiliser or tracker. It is also important not to give them your home address,” he said.
He cautioned motorists, saying before hijackers take your car, they know everything about you. “They have a short term plan, such as targeting the driver with their window down and elbow out. The driver is telling them that the car is unlocked. The long term plan is where they watch your route and know your movements.
“You have to change your routine and take note of eight safety tips to help prevent hijacking,” he said.
“The first is to change your routine, which can decrease the chance of being hijacked by 50 per cent. When you are driving, look far ahead as far as the eye can see, to take note of your surroundings. Keep moving. If you are approaching a red traffic light or stop street, approach slowly to avoid having to stop. This can minimise risk by 97 per cent. Keep your doors locked and windows closed.
“When parking anywhere, at a shopping centre or in your garage, reverse park, so that you can see hijackers coming and can make a swift escape. Your stopping distance is important. Stop so that you can get away with one forward manoeuvre. Ensure that you can see over your bonnet and the back of the tyres of the car in front of you. When you approach your electric gate, stop parallel to the gate so you can’t be blocked in and you have an escape route. The last tip is to cut shrubs and trees upwards in your garden so people can’t hide behind them,” he said.
He advised anyone in a hijacking situation to heed the following tips to minimise the risk of the hijackers becoming violent.
“Don’t look at the hijackers in the eyes; display yourself as open – face them and hold up your hands so they can see you are unarmed; don’t fight with them or swear at them. Tell the hijackers what you are going to do, and don’t make sudden movements.”
Thabo Kadikadi, chairperson of Umbilo CPF said: “Car theft is one of the crimes that is affecting our area, and as the CPF, we found it ideal to have a talk like this that will be beneficial to the community regarding car theft and hijacking.”
