How to prevent hijackings
Witbank Police spokesperson, Capt Eddie Hall provides hijacking preventing hints
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From Monday, September 25 to September 30, Saturday Witbank Police was swamped with work opening cases of car-hijackings.
A total of eight cars were reported hijacked. While some vehicles were recovered, other car owners are without mode of transport.
Witbank Police spokesperson, Capt Eddie Hall provides hijacking preventing hints:
• Always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed.
• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
• Avoid to stop at remote places.
• Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.
• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide, only 5 cm is enough to have a discussion.
• If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away.
• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.
• Vary the route you travel to work and back, if this is possible.
• If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.
• If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
• Car jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.
• If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.
• A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
• Do not give strangers a lift.
• A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device.
• If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage.
• Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.
• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car.
• Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon.
• Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
• Your life is more valuable than your possessions.