Honeydew and Roodepoort, the hijacking hotspots of Gauteng
See Ctrack's list of the top five hijacking hot spots in Gauteng.
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In Gauteng, Honeydew and Roodepoort topped the list of being the most targeted areas for hijackers and thieves, according to Ctrack, a vehicle tracking, fleet management and insurance telematics company.
It listed the top five hijacking hot spots in Gauteng and saw Honeydew, which covers areas such as the crime-ridden Zandspruit, coming out on top. Booysens was listed second, followed by Roodepoort in third place, Linden in fourth and Brooklyn in Pretoria taking fifth position.
Read more: [INTERACTIVE MAP] Top hijacking and smash ‘n’ grab hotspots in JHB, Pretoria
The report also named the top five hot spots in other provinces such as the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the most-hijacked vehicles, the latter being –
VW Polo – Passenger vehicle
Toyota Fortuner – SUV
Ford – Third most-targeted manufacturer
The data correlates with the best-selling cars in South Africa as of May 2017, it said.
Arrive Alive has the following sound advice to help prevent becoming the victim of a hijacking:
• Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• When returning to your parked car, be aware of the surroundings.
• Walk to your car confidently. Have your key ready but not visible. Only unlock your car when you’re close by.
• Don’t talk on the phone as you walk to/ from your vehicle.
• Check the back seat before getting into the car, even if you left it locked.
• Plan the safest route. Drive with a GPS and let someone know what route are taking and when to expect you somewhere.
• Avoid high-crime areas or hijacking hot spots.
• Change your routes and your schedule on a regular basis.
• Try not to drive late at night and/ or in the early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
• Always check the rear view mirror to see if you’re being followed, and if you suspect you are, rather drive to your nearest police station or a busy public area, but don’t go home.
• Keep your doors locked at all times and do not drive with your windows open.
• Put all valuables out of sight, especially handbags and laptops. Place these items in the boot of your car.
• If possible, install a smash-and-grab window film for extra protection.
• When approaching a red traffic light, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.
• Try to stop about five metres behind the car in front of you at a stop sign or traffic light – it makes it easier to get away if trouble arises.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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