This follows an increase in hijacking reports at the Katlehong North Police Station.
The acting station commander at Katlehong North SAPS, Lt Col Johan Botha, said the cases of stolen vehicles and hijacking usually increase in December.
“A lot of cars are stolen during the festive season. Most of them are recovered in January because some criminals steal cars only to use them for travelling during festive holidays to different provinces,” said Botha.
Katlehong North SAPS communications officer Capt Lesetja Mathobela encouraged people to be cautious while driving.
Safety tips on hijackings
Educate yourself about the world of hijacking. It is a crime of opportunity. These criminals prefer to work at night at parking lots and intersections with poor lighting. Hijackings also occur in driveways or near the entrances to gated communities.
They typically strike as a person is getting into their vehicle.
Maintain situation awareness
• Paying attention to your surroundings.
• Look for anomalies in your environment and have a plan for if something goes wrong.
• Park in well-lit and well-populated areas. Do not sit inside the vehicle outside the yard because you will become a victim of crime.
• Before you get in the car look inside it, scanning both the front and back.
• Be on the lookout for bump-and-runs.
• Do not give strangers a lift.
Money matters
• Do not withdraw large sums of money.
• Be vigilant when withdrawing money at an ATM and do not ask for assistance from strangers.
• Do not lend your ID to anyone to withdraw money at a money market.
