Police statistics have recently revealed that more than 14 600 hijackings were reported in 2015 and 2016.
Arrive Alive has taken the initiative to release a Hijack Prevention Guideline. Arrive Alive said there were several factors leading to an increase in hijackings, such as the high unemployment rate. This organisation also says the large number of stolen and unlicensed guns was also worrying.
The hijacking syndicates supply most of the firearms to the robbers. That leads to easy access to firearms, which makes hijacking a vehicle one of the easiest crimes to commit and the quickest way to earn a few thousand rand.
An analysis of when hijackings occur indicates they take place every day of the week, but peak on Fridays, when motorists are getting in the mood for the weekend. The times that hijackings take place fluctuate, but peak times were from 6am to 8am as motorists left home for work, and again between 4pm and 8pm, as motorists were returning home.
Here are some tips on how to avoid being an easy target:
• During a hijacking, motorists are advised to surrender their vehicles and move away, not to get angry or challenge the hijacker, and to do as the hijacker ordered
• Plan your route and inform someone of this route
• Look out for suspicious people and do not trust strangers
• Make sure your driveway is well lit at night
• Always check the rearview mirror to see if you are being followed
• Do not show ANY aggression
• Your cellphone or any valuable belongings should not be visible
• If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station
• While driving, lock all your doors and do not drive with all your windows open
• Source: Arrive Alive
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