Two new trends have emerged wherein motorists are targeted at filling stations.

In the first, women are targeted by other women, who claim to have been the victim of a robbery and ask for assistance to contact their husbands.

When ‘the husband’ does not answer, the target is asked for a lift whereafter she is overpowered by other criminals at a different location and driven to an ATM where money is withdrawn from her account.

The second trend involves a schoolgirl suddenly climbing into the vehicle of a male motorist or gaining access to the vehicle by asking for him to call her mother. Thereafter a police officer suddenly appears.

The girl then claims she was assaulted and the target is solicited for money in exchange for her not laying charges.

Watch: Richard Brussow of National Hijack Prevention Academy warns about a new trend

Road users warned of young females targeting them for extortion at filling stations https://t.co/bJZfITBWpX #ArriveAlive #Crime #NHPA @MasterDriveSA pic.twitter.com/vpwfNvLdAr

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 17, 2023

The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says the natural desire to help others is used against drivers. “One can still help but more cautiously. Assist the woman by calling the police for her. Never allow a stranger into your car.

“In the second scenario, even though the driver did not invite the girl into the car, the doors should be locked. If your car does not automatically lock the doors, develop a habit of locking it immediately upon entering. This will protect you against criminals at traffic lights or filling stations. If you unlock your doors to open the petrol flap, immediately lock them afterwards.”

Awareness remains one of the best defences. “When you offer to call the police for the woman and she walks away, still call the police to prevent another becoming her target. Before unlocking doors at a petrol station, look around for suspicious people, including schoolgirls, loitering close by.

The Festive Season also heralds more crime in parking lots at malls.

“Reverse park so that a quick and safe exit in an emergency is possible. Keep a watchful eye for anyone following you and should you feel in danger ask security to walk you to your car.

“Have car keys in your hand before leaving the mall and put parcels in the boot quickly without fuss. Don’t spend time scratching through bags for something. Do not let your guard down even if it is the Festive Season,” advises Herbert.

As we enter a period of increased crime, be sure you do everything possible to avoid becoming a victim yourself.