Hijacking hotspots: Most targeted cars, bakkies in SA
Johannesburg – Which provinces are the worst affected by hijackings and vehicle theft? Which cars are most targeted by criminals? Data exposes the most targeted passenger cars, SUVs and trucks in SA.
Vehicle tracking and recovery experts, C-track, sent us crime statistics in a presentation focusing on ‘Hijacking and vehicle theft’. C-Track has provided stats for January two thousand seventeen however its data also highlights crime trends through Jan – Dec 2016.
Working with Arrive Alive, the company has exposed the most targeted vehicles. We’ve also included data from Pro-Active South Africa, a company that exposes worst affected areas in SA.
According to C-track’s data, the most popular vehicle hijacked locally is the Volkswagen Polo, followed by Toyota and Ford respectively. Toyota’s Fortuner is the most popular SUV to targeted by criminals, followed by Land Rover and Nissan.
Johan Jonck, editor of Arrive Alive, said: “We believe that an informed road user is a safer road user. With the rise in car-jackings/ hijackings in South Africa, it’s significant to assist our road users with information to keep them alert and vigilant to the threats on our roads.
“Data such as this from C-track and the other vehicle recovery companies dealing with these crimes daily, offers further insights to where and when these crimes are committed. Our roads will be safer when we all drive with an enhanced safety awareness.”
View the utter presentation by clicking on the pictures below.
The movie was very first posted by:
Very alert/ vigilant driver manages to escape hijacking at Palmer street, Shallcross. Last night at approx. 23h00. @EMERGCONTROL @Wheels24 pic.twitter.com/Px2wuEABwD
MasterDrive says while the majority of hijackings do occur outside your home, it is significant to recall this is not the only place. A large percentage of hijackings occur at intersections, which is why drivers should be as aware at intersections as what they are when arriving home.
According to the MD of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, many drivers are caught unaware: «Keep an eye on people at intersections. Be careful of people who might be attempting to divert you.
“Never disregard someone because they are well dressed. Most hijackers are the well-dressed, inconspicuous people possibly reading newspapers at the corner.»
If you are approached by a hijacker keep your arms visible at all times. Herbert also recommends knowing what to do in a hijacking before it happens especially if you have children.
He said: «Determine on a key word which will galvanise your children into act. Their objective should be to get to the driver as quickly as possible.
«Older children should help junior children to the front and they should securely go after the adult out the same door. Vacating the driver`s seat to unbuckle children from the back leaves too excellent an chance for the hijacker to slip into that seat and drive off before your children are securely out.”
Herbert adds: «Your life is not worth the price of your car. The main thing that both of you want is for the hijacker to be gone as quickly as possible. Every reaction you have during a hijacking should be with the aim of ending the interaction as soon as possible.»
If you would like to find out what you can do to attempt avoid being hijacking or how to react in one if you cannot, contact MasterDrive on 086 one hundred ten 0618. They have anti-hijack courses which are facilitated by professionals with firsthand practice with hijackings.
Arrive Alive lists the following crucial tips on avoiding being hijacked when approaching and injecting your driveway.
1 2km from your house strategy. Be extra alert. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings.
Two Recall to stop your vehicle just on the inwards of the gate and select switch roles whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close totally behind you.
Trio Check your driveway and street before you leave or inject your premises.
Four Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
Five Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
6 Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
7 Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inwards. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
8 Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
9 Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
Ten When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
11 If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, make sure nobody suspicious around and the road is clear. Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door (not creating temptation). Then open the gate. Drive in and close the gate instantaneously behind you.
12 If you have petite children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a «negotiating instrument». The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
13 If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.
For more of Arrive Alive’s hijack prevention tips, click here.
14 more tips to help avoid a hijacking:
1 When approaching your vehicle, keep your key ready but not visible. Unlock your car when you’re close by.
Two Check the rear seat before getting into your car.
Three A well-maintained car is less likely to break down and leave you vulnerable.
Four Plan your route and let someone know what your route is and when to expect you at your destination.
Five Always check the rear-view mirror to see if you are being followed.
6 Avoid driving with your windows open and keep the doors locked. Put all valuables out of glance.
7 Avoid distractions while driving such as using a cellphone.
8 If you suspect you are being followed, drive to your nearest police station or a busy public area.
9 When approaching a crimson traffic light, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.
Ten Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear of shrubbery.
11 If possible, park in a central, well-lit place, preferably with guards on duty.
12 When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front so you can make an emergency escape if necessary.
13 Switch your routes and your schedule if possible on a regular basis.
14 Make arriving at your destination safer by calling ahead and asking someone to open and close your gate for you.