Don’t become a victim of hijacking

Blairgowrie Community Association (BCA) has given the following tips and advice on how to protect yourself and your property from a hijacking or driveway robbery.

This comes after security footage from a driveway robbery in the suburb was posted to Youtube.

• When you are arriving somewhere, get off your phone, turn off your radio and be aware of your surroundings.

• When you are entering any driveway, remain in the street with forward and backward escape routes, until the gate is fully open. Avoid spaces where your car can be trapped. Check around for other vehicles and pedestrians (spotters). If something is suspicious, close the gate, drive on and then report it. Otherwise drive in quickly and close the gate immediately.

• If possible, reverse into the driveway. This means you can see the street for longer and can react quicker. It also sends a signal to criminals that you are alert. Reversing in also means that you are able to drive straight out when you leave, and you have more options available, if someone tries to block you.

• When leaving, ensure you are completely ready to drive off before you start the car. Start the car and then open the gate. Move quickly out of your driveway, and only remain stationary on the road in a spot where you cannot be boxed in. Wait for your gate to close, arm your alarm and then drive off.

• Report suspicious activity! First call the sector vehicle, then your security company.

• If you have any information that may lead to an arrest, please contact the sector vehicle, or send an email to security@myblairgowrie.co.za