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Vigilance is key to your safety

Be aware, where ever you go.

When buying a new or used car, the last thing on your mind is the possibility of being targeted by would-be criminals who have their sights set on your wheels.

Hijacking remains rife across the country and syndicate ‘shopping lists’ are forever changing as black market demand grows.

Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity Services Group head of marketing and communications, says the ordinary motorist spend most of their travelling time navigating potholes and criminal elements which is mentally exhausting.

“Hijackers are brazen, however, we all have a role to play in avoiding falling victim to crime,” she said.

“Anti-theft systems should only be a backup to vigilance.”

She said that when giving statements to the police, many victims start by saying ‘they came out of nowhere.’

“No, they didn’t. They were in that blue car you drove past as you pulled into your driveway, or the guy with the gun was sitting on the sidewalk and you barely noticed him,” she said.

“Vigilance is our best defence when driving, parking, leaving or arriving home. This means being painfully aware of your surroundings.

Hattangh has the following tips:
• Be observant at all times
When returning home turn down the volume of the radio, end the call and focus on your immediate environment.

Take note of strange vehicles or persons loitering nearby. If you feel unsafe rather drive past and request your home security provider to send a unit to wait for your arrival.

• Avoid being boxed in
Do not pull directly into your driveway to wait for the gate to open, this could create an opportunity for criminals to block your escape.

• Take note of vehicles behind you
The best practice to establish whether you are being followed is to take a few turns before driving to your destination. If the vehicle behind you follows suit rather drive to your nearest police station or public space such as a shopping centre or filling station.

• Break routine
Hijackers rely on your routine to execute their plans. If you do things the same way daily, they will know when you are at your most vulnerable.

• Ensure it is locked
Remote jamming is rife and can happen anywhere. Always check whether all the doors of your vehicle are locked, this includes the bonnet.

• Invest in additional vehicle protection devices
These include steering or gear locks, alarms and tracking devices connected to a reputable tracking company.

Hattingh concludes by saying that hijack prevention is not about which vehicle you drive but rather being alert and aware of your surroundings.

“Know how to respond in case of a hijacking, specifically if you are travelling with children,” she said.

“Most importantly remain calm and do as you are told. A vehicle can be replaced.”

ALSO READ: Beware of criminals when your take-out arrives

ALSO READ: Five common safety mistakes people make while shopping

   

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