How to prevent hijackings
Witbank Police spokesperson, Capt Eddie Hall provides hijacking preventing hints
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.
