Toyota bakkies are increasingly being targeted for hijacking in Centurion, Gauteng, police warn.

According to the police, criminals target this brand of bakkies more than any other bakkie in the area.

Centurion police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller tells Pretoria Rekord that these criminals often punce on these cars at off-ramps where it was impossible for drivers to make a U-turn.

“A lot more Toyota bakkies are being hijacked on the freeways towards off-ramps. Another major concern we are faced with as the station is truck hijackings,” Miller explains.

He says that unlike their neighbouring police stations, Centurion does not experience hijackings at traffic lights.

Miller adds that the second most targeted vehicle at hijackings, are Ford bakkies.

“Usually company cars are being targeted by criminals.”

Monitor Net security public relations officer JP Le Roux confirms that vehicle theft in Centurion was indeed a concern.

Le Roux, however, adds that these hijackings do not take place daily but rather sporadically.

“What we have picked up as the security sector is that criminals are targeting your Toyota Hilux and Ford vans. Lexus [vehicles are] also being targeted lately,” he says.

Le Roux explains that criminals pickpocket unsuspecting drivers for their car keys while they are grocery shopping – and then they steal their cars.

He urges residents to be vigilant of their surroundings.

“Most importantly they need to check where they are parking as that also contributes to hijacking,” he adds.

Reports recently surfaced that criminals target the most popular cars due to the high demand for their parts.

It is also stated that hijackings contributed to 54% of vehicle thefts between 05:00 and noon, and 47% at lunch time.