WITH an increase in hijackings across the country, Amanzimtoti SAPS urges motorists to keep themselves safe.
A hijacker is focused on doing a job, namely taking the vehicle, and motorists should not get in the way of that.
“Do not resist, argue or fight as this can result in injury or even death,” explained Toti SAPS spokesman Captain Charlene van der Spuy.
“Remember, your life and the lives of your loved ones cannot be replaced. There are two types of hijackers, professional and amateurs. The latter is the most dangerous as they will not hesitate to use violence in order to get what they want.”
Heed the following safety tips:
- Change your routine: You have to leave from the same place every morning, but you should change your route from your house to your destination regularly. Should you, for instance, take a certain route on Monday and you are observed by a hijacker and take the same route on Tuesday, it takes them only a day to determine your route. Changing your route can give you a 50% chance of not becoming a victim.
- Observe: Look far ahead and observe what is happening at intersections and around you.
- Keep moving: Hijackers approach either on foot or with a vehicle, which they use to block the path of your car. Do not go right up to an intersection, start slowing down long before and leave a decent following distance when you stop behind another stationary car.
- Keep your car doors locked at all times.
- Reverse park at shopping centres, to allow you to exit faster.
- Do not park in front of an electric gate as you wait for it to open. Where possible, rather park parallel to it, giving you a chance to drive off in the event that a suspicious vehicle parks behind you.
- Where you believe you are being followed, drive past your house to the nearest police station, petrol station or public area where there is a lot of movement.
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