SA truck hijackings on the increase
Constant truck hijackings dictate the need for security services to be close at hand, which increases costs for fleet operators.
The latest crime statistics revealed a big jump in hijacking, causing concern for many. In particular, truck hijacking saw an increase of over 700%, going from 3.8% the previous quarter to 31.4%. It is also the crime that saw the second-biggest increase in the most current stats.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, said this creates a number of difficulties for the industry. “The trucking industry is already facing major challenges with the massive increases in fuel prices.
“More onus is placed on drivers to be aware of their surroundings and be ready to respond well before it becomes a problem. The sooner a driver becomes immediately aware of a suspicious vehicle following them, the sooner they can let security providers know about their risky situation and the better the chances of avoiding a hijack situation.”
Greater awareness of one’s surroundings has always been the main recommendation MasterDrive gives any driver when it comes to avoiding high risk situations. “Trucking companies can work with security providers to learn what situations to be aware of. There could be certain vehicles often used by hijackers or various high-risk scenarios in which drivers should be extra vigilant. Once they identify a potential situation, they can let security services know sooner rather than later or perhaps even before a hijacking is attempted.
“MasterDrive has identified a number of scenarios in which drivers in general should have increased awareness, such as outside driveways, at shopping centres and at intersections. These are very effective in helping drivers identify dangerous situations before they become a problem. Consequently, they are often able to avoid a carjacking and the trauma and costs that come with this. Interestingly, carjackings also saw a massive increase of over 19%, and is seventh on the list of crimes that increased the most.”
With the increasing amounts of challenges the trucking industry faces, a massive increase in crimes targeting the industry needs serious and proper attention – a long-term solution. “Until that attention is given to the situation, the onus falls on trucking companies and drivers to do whatever they can to reduce the risk,” said Herbert.
Source: MotorPress
