Drivers are urge to take note of the 2019/2020 crime stats after Police Minister, Bheki Cele revealed that car hijacking was up 13.3% while there was an increase in truck hijackings of 1.7%.
Between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020, 18 162 motorists were hijacked while 2 384 trucks suffered a similar fate, he said.
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According to the managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, it is particularly concerning in the Covid-19 environment, as crime is only expected to get worse as the unemployment rate grows.
“Job losses and few new opportunities may result in some people becoming desperate for an alternative source of income. For others, a changed way of life as a result of lockdown may result in becoming careless and complacent. During the coming months, however, we strongly advise motorists to step up their vigilance.”
Constant vigilance is particularly important as crimes of opportunity may increase.
“Those turning to crime as a result of desperation, are not ‘career criminals’ and more likely to seize an opportunity when they see it. This also creates quite a volatile situation. The hijacker is likely very nervous and may make a rash decision.
“If you do find yourself in this situation, rather comply and do not make them more nervous. If you are in the habit of sanitising your hands as you get in the car, be sure to look around you first and be aware of the current situation.
“If you feel unsettled, rather sanitise when you arrive home. If you avoid habits such as touching your face, you can safely delay hand sanitising until then. Don’t, however, skip sanitising the car in this instance because you could have now spread the virus to your steering wheel, seatbelt and gearstick among other spots, if it was on your hands,” advises Herbert.
