2022 Q1 sees big jump in hijacking cases
Gauteng recorded the most incidents, followed by KZN and the Western Cape
DURING the first three months of 2022, car jackings reported to the Saps were up by 19.7% – an increase of 889 reports when compared to the same time last year.
These figures, revealed in the latest crime statistics, indicate that a total of 5 402 car jackings were recorded between January and March this year, with Gauteng witnessing the most incidents, at 2 936, followed by KZN with 876 and the Western Cape with 581.
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Reports of other vehicle-related crimes during 2022 Q1 were:
• Theft of motor vehicle/motorcycle – 9 377 (up 1.5%)
• Theft out of motor vehicle – 20 457 (up 1.7%)
• Robbery of cash in transit – 53 (up 26.2%)
• Truck hijacking – 465 (up 31.4%)
• Drivers under the influence of alcohol/drugs – 11 992 (up 39.7%).
Commenting on these statics, Netstar said car remote jamming is still prevalent, and some criminals have begun developing more sophisticated methods.
These include using special equipment to establish a long-range link between a key fob and vehicle to target newer cars with keyless entry functionality.
Netstar added that criminals are resorting to other, more aggressive measures, which include bumping a vehicle to encourage the victim to get out and inspect the damage, making them vulnerable to hijacking.
They also point at the victim’s vehicle in an attempt to make the driver think they have a flat tyre or other damage. When the victim rolls down their window or gets out of the car, they are hijacked.
Recently, there have also been more frequent reports of criminals posing as law enforcement officers and pulling over motorists under false pretences, only to then hijack and kidnap them before dropping them off at another location.
Data shows the most-targeted body styles for hijackers were sedans and hatchbacks, followed by bakkies, panel vans, SUVs, station wagons, micro/minibuses, trucks under 3 500kg, motorcycles, and buses.
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