New modus operandi to hijack cars

Hijackings are a big headache in the city. Every week police receive numerous reports of cars/trucks being hijacked in the city.

According to Witbank Police spokesperson, Capt Eddie Hall a lot of hijackings occur in the Central Business District (CBD) and around Extension 10.

It seems that hijackers are using new methods to hijack cars.

Vosman SAPS concerned about hijackings

In a recent incident, police officers patrolling in the vicinity of the CBD saw a person sitting in his vehicle in the middle of the night. When they approached the car, they saw it was a man who seems to be under the influence of alcohol. The police, however, did not smell any alcohol on the man.

The man told police that he visited a prostitute and felt disorientated when he left. He stopped the car as he could not drive any further. Luckily for this man, the police got to him first.

“This is not the first incident like this, previously cars were hijacked when the same modus operandi was used,” Capt Hall said.

Another method also raising concern is when people order taxis (Uber) to pick them up. When the Uber arrives, the driver gets hijacked.

These new ways of hijacking cars could be part of an operation hijacking – A group formally works together in a more structured way. They usually have experience in car theft and have established contacts within the motorcar underworld that will receive and pay cash for stolen vehicles or spare parts.

The other possibility is syndicate hijackings ‒ the most organized of all and often have international connections.

Increase in hijackings at homes ‘are quite alarming’ says police

A network of hijacking groups is established with the overall coordinator, syndicating out work so that he remains out of view in the same way as the drug baron uses pushers.

19 tips to protect yourself against hijackings

This makes identifying and arresting the ultimate boss very difficult. Additionally, a syndicate is often backed by a lot of money, especially if there are international links and makes full use of any potential to bribe the authorities in order to protect their operations.

Here are some general safety tips whilst entering your vehicle and while driving:

• Have your key ready, but not visible.
• Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking. Check underneath your vehicle for items placed under the wheels. Also, make sure nobody is hiding on the passenger side before you enter your vehicle.
• Know your destination and directions to it, and be alert should you get lost.
• Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
• Make a mental note of any police stations in the vicinity.
• When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.
• When dropping off a passenger, make sure they are safe in their vehicle before departing.
• Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid driving late at night/early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
• Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible.
• If possible, never drive alone.
• Never, ever pick up hitchhikers or strangers! (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Never follow routine routes when driving; change regularly.

(Safety tips from Arrive Alive website).

Share your news tips via: Telephone: 013 656 2490 WhatsApp: 060 866 8682 Email: wtbnews@mweb.co.za

Or follow us on WITBANK NEWS platforms: Instagram, Twitter Witbank News App Facebook page Witbank News Breaking