The minister of police, Bheki Cele, recently announced the crime stats for quarter one of 2021/2022.
Hijackings increased by 92.2% from the previous first quarter of 2020/2021.
Kempton Park was no exception from these statistics.
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The Express contacted various security companies as well as SAPS for information around this statistic.
Capt Jethro Mtshali, the spokesperson for Kempton Park Police station, said reported incidents from March 2021 to date showed that about 128 hijackings occurred with about eight vehicles being recovered.
“Motorists and truck drivers should not stop when approached by a suspicious vehicle. Drive to the nearest police station or a nearby petrol station and contact 10111,” Mtshali said.
Sec Pros Security told Express that their members recovered 92 vehicles the past year.“Moving closer to the festive season, hijackings are on the increase. We have also noticed a whole new change in the criminal’s modus operandi. There is no doubt criminals are getting more sophisticated with technology. We contour this by also implementing newer technology like licence plate recognition, jamming detection devices and so forth,” said operations manager Willem Vrey.
Prevention tips from Fidelity ADT and the National Hijack Prevention Academy include:
• Sixty-eight percent of all hijackings occur close to home, so be vigilant when exiting your driveway or arriving home. Most hijackings occur between 16:00 and 20:00.
• 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 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 the 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 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 but 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: 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.
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