MUST READ: Tips to prevent hijackings

Hijackings can occur at any time of the day, whether you are approaching your home or at a shopping centre.

With this being a reality and painful experience for many people, Douglasdale Police Station provided these car safety awareness tips for people while they are in their vehicles:

• Try to take different routes when you travelling to and from work, if possible
• If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention
• If strangers are loitering near your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station
• Hijackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your vehicle. In this scenario, if your car has been bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to your nearest police station for help
• Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars
• Do not leave your firearm in the cubbyhole or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle, this is against the law as well
• Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car
• Valuable items such as laptops and cameras should be put in the boot of your car
• Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tyre. The intention can be to steal items that they see inside your car or steal your car
• Always close your windows when driving in populated areas, such as city centres and CBDs.

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