Hijackers terrorise Greenwood Park community
Police have speculated that the criminals might be targeting the area because it is infamous for its easy access and exit routes.
RESIDENTS of the Greenwood Park policing district have been living in fear following a recent spate of hijackings in the area. In less than two months the Northglen News has reported on more than 10 cases.
What’s more, police say they are unsure what could have been the catalyst behind this recent escalation.
However, W/O Leon Audh, spokesman for the station speculated that the criminals might be targeting the area because it is infamous for its easy access and exit routes.
While various vehicles have been hijacked in the area, Audh said criminals have recently been targeting VW Polos.
“Most of the time hijackings occur when commuters are jumping into their vehicles or getting out, and also seated in the vehicle when they are waiting for someone. One suspect approaches from the driver’s side while his accomplice stands on the passenger side. This occurs most of the time when drivers are either entering or exiting their driveways. Hijackings also occur at stop signs, yield signs and robots,” he said.
In several of the recent incidents the hijackers abducted their victims and would later leave them stranded after robbing them of their belongings.
Audh warned that the public is particularly vulnerable when they have to manually open their gates, or when they are busy on their cell phones.
Blind spots around homes also provide hiding spots for suspects, he said.
According to the National South African Police Service more than 14 600 hijackings were reported between 2015 and 2016 – a 14 per cent increase. Statistically, it has been estimated that a vehicle is hijacked every 36 minutes in South Africa.
