Motorists warned as hijackings increase in W’aria
Targeted hotspots are the N12 between the Losberg turnoff and on the N12 and R28 four-way stop and in Glenharvie.
Motorists travelling in and out of Westonaria as well as around the policing precinct are urged to be vigilant, as there is an increase in truck and car hijacking cases.
This is word from Westonaria Police spokesperson Audrey Sefara who said that targeted hotspots are the N12 between the Losberg turnoff and on the N12 and R28 four-way stop and in Glenharvie.
“The community is urged to be careful as the said crime is committed by either people wearing traffic or police uniform or reflector jackets and are using blue lights placed on the dashboards or even on top of the vehicle to stop motorists.
“Motorists are also hijacked as they park their vehicles on the side of the road to relieve themselves. They are sometimes misled into thinking that something is either on the tyres or under the vehicle and as they stop to inspect the car, they then get robbed,” said Sergeant Sefara who added that the targeted vehicles are mostly VW Polos and Ford Ranger bakkies.
She added that the suspects are using different types of vehicles to commit the crime such as white, blue or silver VW Polos.
They also use Toyota Corolla and Quantum models as well as Ford Rangers and a white Nissan vehicle.
“We urge all road users not to stop when ordered by people in private or unmarked police or traffic vehicles posing as police or traffic officers. They should rather drive to the nearest safe place such as the filling station or police station,” said Sefara.
She also issued some tips to use when motorists are confronted or suspect that they are a target.
*Keep a safe following distance while driving.
*Keep your motor vehicle doors locked and ensure your windows are closed.
*Be observant and trust your instinct.
*Stay away from your phone.
*Don’t stop anywhere except at the police station or filling station.
*Don’t drive slowly, rather speed away to a safe place.
*Drive in high speed where you see suspicious vehicle along or in the road.
*Don’t stop for breakdown assistance, it might be a set-up to hijack you.
*Always be aware when you drive a targeted vehicle.
*Don’t drive during the night.
*Avoid deserted roads.
*Don’t stop anywhere to relieve yourself along the road.
*Program your phone for easy dialling with all emergency numbers.
*Always stop if you cannot get away to avoid any fatalities or injuries.
Anyone with any information that can assist the police can contact Westonaria SAPS on the telephone number 011278-5300/5395/5396, emergency numbers 112 or 10111, Crime Stop line or alternatively you can use the MySAPS app.
