It’s an unfortunate reality that hits close to home for many South Africans, and according to motoring experts, MotorHappy, car-related crimes seem to be increasing yearly.
“From car theft and hijackings to safety nets, we should consider a few things the next time we go to and from work and school. While we may have a good idea of where crime hotspots are throughout the cities, many of us don’t know that most car thefts happen in our very own driveways,” said marketing director of MotorHappy, Barend Smit.
FOR KN: • Also read: WATCH: Vehicle theft at children’s home in Noordheuwel caught on camera [https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/news-headlines/local-crime-news/2024/08/08/watch-vehicle-stolen-at-famous-childrens-npo/]
He said Crime SA reports and security company Fidelity ADT revealed that around 71% of car hijackings happen the minute people pull into the driveway, while the rest occur at shopping malls and sporting and school events. In addition, reports compiled by the police show a 6.5% increase in hijackings and car theft compared to 2023 – 66 cars a day to be exact.
“There are certain vehicles more susceptible to car theft than others, based on the black market’s demand and supply. As such, VW’s and Toyotas, Fords and Nissan remain the most important on the criminal’s hit list.”
Smit added that reports by the Automotive Business Council, known as Naamsa (https://naamsa.net/about-us/), show that VW and Toyota rank the highest and second-best-selling vehicles in the country.
“Models like the Hilux bakkie and VW Polo are prime targets.”
According to Smit, certain provinces have also seen bigger jumps in hijacking when compared to the rest of the country.
“What’s more pressing is that criminals are targeting specific items of the vehicle rather than the entire vehicle, notably parts that are readily available and easier to conceal. Parts like hubcaps and badges have always been incredibly popular with car thieves, but nowadays, there’s a lot more where that came from. This is what’s on the hit list: Airbags, batteries, wheels, tailgates, tyres, headlights and more.”
Thus, Gauteng and the Western Cape statistics sit around the margins of 14%, whereas the North West is at 11%. KZN saw a 17% decrease in hijackings with a 5.2% decrease in the Eastern Cape.
Based on the more populated provinces, Smit said the below are the top crime hotspots for hijackings:
• Gauteng: Ivory Park, Moroka, Loate, Orange Farms, Eldorado Park
• KZN: Umlazi, Mariannhill
• Western Cape: Philippi East, Harare, Nyanga, Mfuleni, Delft
To protect yourself and your vehicle from tech-savvy criminals, Smit urged any motorist to do the following:
• Secure your wheels with locknuts
• Strengthen your battery bracket
• Park your vehicle in busy, well-lit locations
• Ensure your vehicle is locked before leaving it
• Keep valuables hidden from view
• Avoid driving through high-risk areas and popular hijacking spots
• Refrain from connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks from your vehicle
• Stay alert and do not exit your car for any reason
• Install a GPS tracker to optimise car recovery and security
