Over the last few weeks hijackings and motor-vehicle thefts on the West Rand have shown a worrying increase, warned Fidelity ADT.
Magaliesburg, Hekpoort, Tarlton R24 Road, Muldersdrift N14, R28, R559, R500, R501, N12, R41 and Impala roads have all been earmarked as hot spots.
According to Fanie Loots, Fidelity ADT West Rand Branch Manager, the majority of incidents reported occur during the day between 7am and 9am, and in the evening between 5.30pm and 8pm, and said many of the crimes seem opportunistic.
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“Criminals are on the lookout for easy opportunities to take advantage of, so the key is to remain alert and vigilant at all times.
“On 11 May at around 10.30am on Robert Broom Drive in Krugersdorp, a 33-year-old man driving a Polo TSI was hijacked, and was later dropped off in Florida. His cellphone and laptop were also taken but fortunately he escaped unharmed.
“In a separate incident in Muldersdrift, a man was driving his Polo TSI along the N14. At the traffic light at Cradlestone Mall an unknown man pointed a firearm at him and ordered him out his vehicle. They forced him into a white Chevrolet, blindfolded him, and dropped him off at an unknown location.
In Randfontein, a man driving a Ford Ranger along the R28 on Tuesday, 11 May was hijacked at about 8pm. This time three thugs were involved, two of them armed. The driver of the vehicle fought back. He fortunately managed to escape unharmed and the attackers fled the scene.
“We continue to see incidents of follow-home hijackings and opportunistic hijackings throughout the year. Anyone who drives a car is at risk, and needs to be aware and cautious, although at the moment it appears that the vehicles being targeted are Polo TSIs and Ford Rangers,” he said.
Here are some helpful hijacking-prevention tips from Fidelity ADT and the National Hijack Prevention Academy:
• Remember that 68 percent of all hijackings occur close to home, so be especially vigilant when pulling out of your driveway or coming home. The most dangerous times for hijackings are between 4pm and 8pm.
• If you have an electric gate, do not pull into your driveway before opening the gate. This can allow hijackers to box you in. Rather open your gate while your car is still in the road to allow a quick getaway if necessary.
• If you suspect you are being followed, put on your indicator and slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home. By doing this, you force the vehicle behind you to pass, and you can then get a better idea of their intentions.
• If you need to stop in your driveway to open the gate manually, always leave the key in the ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car. If your child is in the vehicle, take the key with you as you open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – the criminals want your car and you want your child.
• Always make sure you can see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you when you stop in the traffic. This gives you enough room to manoeuvre and escape if you have to, for whatever reason.
• Don’t fall for the tap-tap trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic. They often use female drivers as decoys. Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage, but rather drive to a busy location. Signal to the other driver to follow you. If it is not legitimate they will seldom follow you.
• If you live in a secure complex with security guards, do not be fooled into thinking you are safe. You can easily be followed into your complex, so always remain vigilant. Research shows that most people relax the closer they get to home, and this is often when they are most vulnerable.
What to do if you are hijacked:
• The first and golden rule: Do not antagonise the hijackers. You need to show them you are not a threat.
• Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender.
• Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral.
• Be cautious not to use your right arm to lean across your body and undo your seatbelt or unlock the door. This could be construed as you reaching for a gun.
• Do not switch off your vehicle.
• Get out slowly and try to angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on. Also remember to protect your head with your arms and to lift your shoulders to protect your neck area.
• Do not turn your back on the hijackers – your organs are most exposed from the back.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers but still try to take in what they are wearing, the sound of their voices, etc.
Loots said finally, once the hijackers have left, you need to call the police on 08600 10111, thereafter any emergency numbers on a cellphone by dialling 112 on any network, or 147 on Vodacom lines.
A hijacking can be a terrifying and traumatic experience. Do not be afraid to speak to a friend or counsellor after the experience. The easiest way to deal with the event is to speak to a professional. “We are living in a tough economy and crime is definitely on the increase. Fidelity ADT has increased visibility in the area but we are urging residents to remain vigilant,” concluded Loots.
