Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner has urged the public to be vigilant as hijackers have been very active around the West Rand region recently.
Several cases of people being hijacked as they entered their properties have been reported.
“In Carletonville, a 38-year-old woman entered her property and when she was about to alight her vehicle, she was accosted by two unknown armed men who took her grey Ford EcoSport,” Kekana said.
In another incident in Krugersdorp a man’s VW Caddy was hijacked by four armed men recently.
Kekana gave the follows safety tips to prevent falling victim to hijackings:
• Never leave the keys in the ignition when alighting the vehicle.
• When approaching your vehicle, keep your key ready but not visible.
• Check the rear seat before getting into the car.
• Plan your route, and let someone know what your route is and when to expect you.
• Always check the rear-view mirror to see if you are being followed.
• Avoid driving with your windows open and keep the doors locked.
• Avoid distractions while driving, such as using a cellphone.
• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or a busy public area.
• Change routes and schedules regularly, if possible.
• Make arriving at your destination safer by calling ahead and asking someone to open and close your gate for you.
• As soon as you hear or notice suspicious behaviour, movement or persons, contact the police immediately. However, do it in such a way that you are not exposed.
• Do not look at the robbers directly; do so without being noticed. If you do recognise any of them, don’t make it known. Try instead to memorise any features that may assist in the identification and investigation
“Another concern is that the reason for these robberies being committed is the high demand for these items. Anyone found in possession of stolen/ robbed property and/ or vehicles, or has intentions to buy stolen goods, will be prosecuted. Such persons are regarded as being part and guilty of the offence, which has serious consequences,” Kekana warned.
