Retail group working with police to curb delivery bikes hijackings
Detectives are investigating at least nine motorcycle hijackings reported during August and September.
Following the alarming increase in the hijacking of delivery motorcycles in Boksburg, the Shoprite Group has said it is working closely with law enforcement agencies to combat the attacks on its operators and their teams are assisting police to catch the perpetrators.
Last week Boksburg Advertiser reported that Boksburg police are probing a possible motorbike hijacking syndicate following a spike in the number of hijackings of delivery motorcycles, including Checkers Sixty60 and Mr D motorcycles, in the area.
While efforts to get Mr D’s comment on the matter proved unsuccessful, the Shoprite Group’s media team responded to our request for comment, saying: “Security and risk teams constantly monitor and combat criminal activities. The necessary arrests are affected by working closely with the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority.”
The group added that its operational teams, including contracted drivers, are informed of security alerts and updates, and all drivers are trained in defensive and anti-hijacking driving techniques as well as advanced driving techniques.
According to the Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Ntsako Ledwaba, detectives are investigating at least nine motorcycle hijackings reported during August and September.
She said the victims are not only robbed of their vehicles but also their personal belongings, like cellphones and cash.
As is the case with e-hailing service vehicles, motorcycles are the personal property of the delivery drivers and are not supplied by the employer.
The hotspots in Boksburg are Plantation, Farrar Park and Freeway Park.
Some operators suspect that these crimes are committed by counterparts, who hijack the motorcycles and sell them to other delivery drivers.
Anyone with information that can help the police track the perpetrators is urged to contact the Boksburg SAPS Community Service Centre (CSC) on 011 841 6844/6845 or its Crime Office on 011 841 6843.
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