How to prevent Hijackings in your driveway.

With an increasing rate of hijackings in the city, Arrive Alive states that motorists are more likely to  become a victim of hijacking at their place of residence, on a weekday, between 16:00 and 20:00 in

the evening. Recently, Surrtech Surveillance Technology released a video where three suspects tried to hijack a motorists at their Doringkloof home. The hijacking was prevented however, when the

suspects were confronted by the driver and his Great Dane dog at the gate of their home.

Arrive Alive has released tips on how to prevent hijackings especially at your home.

Approaching and entering your driveway:

– Be extra alert 2km from your house. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings.

– Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse while waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close

completely behind you.

– Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.

– Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear of shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.

– Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address. Do not turn into your driveway, pass and return 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 over-powered them.

– Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe 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 at any time you have to open the gate yourself, make sure nobody suspicious is 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.