Here are the ten most hijacked vehicles in Pretoria

Let’s look at Pretoria’s ten most hijacked vehicles and the suburbs where you would most likely get hijacked.

Local security groups noted that these ten vehicle models were in the crosshairs of hijackers across Pretoria.

Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network shared the list of the ten most hijacked vehicles, obtained from Gauteng News.

Here is the list:

1. Toyota Hilux
2. Volkswagen Polo
3. Toyota Fortuner
4. Ford Ranger
5. Nissan NP200
6. BMW 3 Series
7. Toyota Quantum
8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
9. Hyundai H-1
10. Audi A3

Visser urged Pretoria motorists to always exercise heightened caution when leaving malls, their workplaces, or heading home late at night, as this is when most follow-home incidents occur.

“Keep emergency numbers for your security provider, SAPS, and neighbors readily available in case you suspect you are being followed.”

Also read: Freitag murder: Both wanted suspects behind bars

According to the third quarter crime states 2023/2024 released by the SA police service, four of Pretoria’s suburbs ranked under the top 30 stations in South Africa where you would most likely be hijacked.

Here is the list according to the crime statistics ranking:

• Loate
• Mamelodi East
• Olievenhoutbosch
• Pretoria West

Here are some tips from Arrive Alive to avoid a hijacking situation:

• Have a 2km from your house strategy. Be extra alert. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. If you notice any vehicle behind you, use the techniques you learned during the hijack prevention and survival course to determine whether you are being followed.
• Remember to stop your vehicle just inside the gate and select reverse while waiting for it to close. This creates confusion and may take a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.
• Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
• Ensure your driveway is well-lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
• Be aware of unknown pedestrians near your residential address. Do not turn into your driveway; pass and come back later.
• Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
• Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
• Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators overpowered them.
• Phone your home and ask for someone to check your driveway for safety and to open and close the gate for you.
• When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
• If you must open the gate yourself at any time, make sure nobody is suspicious around, and the road is clear. Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle; leave the key in the ignition. Get out and close the door (not creating temptation). Then, open the gate. Drive in and close the gate immediately behind you.
• If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a “negotiating tool“. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
• If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.
• Check the rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
• When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
• Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
• When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons. This is very important as most hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.

Also read: Body of missing former world champion found near Pretoria Cemetery

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