A slight bump into the back of your car is the latest hijacking trick that criminals use to get motorists to stop, then hijack their vehicle, police warn. Hijackings usually spike during December according to police.

“We mostly experience car hijackings during the festive season and criminals use this trick on their victims,” Silverton police spokesperson Warrant-Officer Isaac Mculu says.

“Suspects bump your vehicle at the back and when you stop to check, they hijack you.”

Mculu says that several cases where suspects used this trick to hijack vehicles, have been reported at the Silverton Police Station in the previous years during the festive season.

“Sometimes the criminals will use two or three private cars and block a victim on the road, one blocks the victim from the back and the other in front, and they hijack the car. They are usually about four or five criminals involved in this kind of crime.”

Mculu urges motorists to constantly check for any cars following them.

“Residents must also look out for remote jamming, particularly when they visit shopping malls. Most people tend to leave their vehicles without making sure if it is properly locked, I want to urge the public to always check if their cars are locked to avoid them being stolen.”

He says the police will have safety operations this festive season.

Garsfontein police spokesperson Warrant-Officer Duane Lightfoot says theft of motor vehicles, theft out of motor vehicles and house break-ins are problematic this year.

“We are already engaged in various crime combating, festive season operations to combat these crimes with the help of our partners in the private security sector and CPF.

“Garsfontein police are braced and ready to tackle the festive season with all its traditional challenges.”

Garsfontein SAPS offered the following tips to stay safe during the holidays:

• Parking behind lockable gates and in view of security guards, especially at shopping complexes is always advisable.
• Never leave expensive accessories such as handbags, clothing and gadgets such as cellphones and laptops visible in a parked vehicle.
• Refrain from parking your vehicle in secluded areas.
• Make sure the security features on your vehicle and home are working properly.
• Try to get someone to house-sit when you are away on holiday or even for a day.
• Notify your neighbours if you are planning to go away so they can keep an eye on your house and regularly remove mail from the post-box.
• When at home, make sure gates and security doors are properly locked. Be very vigilant and report suspicious-looking people, vehicles and activities to the police and/or your security company.