Newly released crime statistics for October to December 2024 highlight a concerning trend: while overall vehicle crime shows a decrease, hijackings of business vehicles are on the rise.

MasterDrive notes this alarming statistic amid otherwise positive trends.

Key crime statistics (October to December 2024):

· Carjackings: 4 807 incidents, a 19.5% year-on-year decrease, averaging 52 per day.

· Vehicle theft: 7 791 incidents, an 18.3% decrease.

· Truck hijackings: Decreased by 14%.

· Theft from vehicles: Decreased by 12.9%.

· Cash-in-transit heists: Decreased by 17 incidents.

· Drunk driving: Increased by 11.2%.

· Road rage: Among the top 5 causes of violent crime.

· High-risk provinces: Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN remain hotspots.

· Vehicle crime breakdown: Carjackings account for 56%, theft for 44% (Tracker Crime Index).

· Peak crime times: Fridays and between 16:00 and 21:00 are high-risk periods for hijackings and thefts (Tracker Crime Index).

· Business vehicle vulnerability: Business vehicles are twice as likely to be hijacked (Tracker Crime Index).

· Regional theft trends: Personal vehicle theft exceeds hijackings in Gauteng (52%) and KZN (61%).

· Shopping mall crimes: Car jamming is prevalent (Fidelity).

· Follow-home attacks: Increased in 2024 (Fidelity).

MasterDrive’s recommendations to reduce risk:

· Avoid poorly lit or isolated parking areas.

· Reverse park for quicker exits and better visibility.

· Park near security or against walls.

· Have keys/fobs ready, and secure parcels in the boot.

· Return home before dark.

· Maintain situational awareness.

· Use well-lit, populated areas for e-hailing, and keep phones concealed.

· Report all incidents to aid law enforcement.

· Physically check that car doors are locked.

· Stand in front of door handles when locking to deter jamming.

· Be aware of surroundings when loading shopping.

· Store valuables in the boot.

· Use key fob cases to prevent cloning.

Source: MotorPress