Welcome to Gangsters’ Paradise
Hijackings have become the norm in South Africa. As cars’ anti-theft systems become more and more sophisticated, it has become easier for criminals to surprise the unsuspecting victim in a car that is already accessible. More often than not, hijackings are motivated by syndicates, who ‘order’ certain cars and send armed robbers out to ‘procure’ them. Find out which colour cars get stolen the most, and are stolen the least in SA.
In many cases, these cars are smuggled to neighbouring countries and sold, or traded for weapons and/or drugs. The most sought-after vehicles carry Toyota, Volkswagen and Ford badges - read What cars are high risk in SA?, here. Getting hijacked is everyone’s worst fear - but there are ways to reduce your chances.
Related: These are the most hijacked cars in SA
It happens everywhere
Most of these criminals work with a clear plan. Hijackings usually take place in areas where there are accessible escape routes, such as the driveway of a certain house, near a bridge, at robots and stop streets, or intersections. If you’ve pulled over to answer your phone like a good citizen, you are also easy prey.
And don’t forget about fillings stations, schools, airports and random parking lots - it’s easy to follow someone from these places and hijack them on their regular route home. Quite often, criminals will observe you for days to establish your routine. Then, there’s also the issue of hijackers who impersonate traffic officers!
Related: Best car tracking devices
N2 issues
The N2 between Cape Town and Somerset West has become an infamous hijacking hotspot, with criminals placing large cement bricks or rocks in the road to seriously damage your vehicle, thereby rendering you immobile and helpless. But incidents occur everywhere. A few years ago, 21-year-old Maties student Hannah Cornelius and their friend were hijacked in front of a block of flats in Bird Street, Stellenbosch. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, and her body was found the next day.
How you can avoid a hijack situation
Going home:
1. When approaching your house, be very vigilant. Scan your surroundings, be aware of suspicious-looking characters in cars parked nearby, or on foot. If you suspect you are being followed, rather drive to a public place.
2. Ensure that your driveway and the outside of your house and garden are well-lit and clear. Criminals pick driveways with shrubbery that will conceal them.
3. Get to know your neighbours - you never know when you’ll need their help. If they know your routine and you know theirs, it will be easier to pick up irregularities.
4.Does your dog usually run to your gate to greet you when you arrive? If he doesn’t, this may be a cause for concern. Alert the authorities or your armed response provider if you suspect something is wrong.
5. If you need to open a gate yourself, or if you feel afraid at any time, ask someone to meet you at the gate, if possible.
6. When you open your gate manually, leave the key in the car with the ignition running, get out of the car, close the door behind you. Rather let the criminals take the car easily, than hurt you in the process.
7. If you have small kids with you, rather take the key out before exiting the car and opening the gate - you don’t want criminals hijacking your car with your kids inside! You can also exchange your car key for your kids - it sounds bad, but yes, you can use your key to bargain with them!
8. Arrive Alive advise that older children should exit the car when you do, so that you “are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur”.
Watch: The AutoTrader Podcast - The Car Tracking Episode
In general:
1. When you enter/leave/ park your car, always make sure you’re not being followed; scan your surroundings as before. Check for items placed underneath your car to immobilise you, and walk around your car to check for persons hiding on the passenger’s side.
2. Sitting in a parked vehicle makes you a sitting duck, unless you’re somewhere completely safe. We don’t recommend sleeping in your car, ever.
3. Have anti-smash & grab film fitted to glass surfaces.
4. Drive with windows closed and your doors locked.
5. Never drive over cardboard boxes in the middle of the road, they may contain the above-mentioned cement blocks/rocks that will damage your wheels. If this happens, just keep driving, even if you have to drive on your rims!
6. Always keep the pepper spray handy.
7. Know where you’re going and know where police stations are along the route.
8. Keep the necessary emergency numbers on speed dial. The SA Police Service number is still 10111. Other emergency numbers are 112 (on any network) or 147 (Vodacom only).
9. For Cape Town, the 24-hour emergency numbers are 021 946 1646 or 021 812 4581/2. The N2 Emergency number is 0800-656463; ER24 is 084 124; the City of Cape Town Emergency Control Room is 021 480 770 and Arrive Alive (for reporting an incident) is 0861 400 800.
10. Always leave enough space between you and the car in front, if you need to escape.
11. Know where the hijacking hotspots are, and when to avoid them. Don’t drive through there if you can help it, and try not to drive alone.
12. Arrive Alive also suggests changing your regular route from home/to work every now and again.
13. Picking up hitchhikers or strangers is a huge no-no!
Curious as to where and when the most hijackings happen in South Africa? Click here
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