Increase in hostage-taking during hijackings, reports Tracker

The practice of hijackers taking hostages is on the rise nationally with 29 percent of hijackings resulting in the occupants being taken hostage, reported Tracker.

The vehicle tracking company noticed the trend in their recently released stats on hijackings and vehicle theft.

Some of the latest techniques used by hijackers include impersonating law enforcement officials, spiking of drinks and using online vehicle selling platforms to prey on unsuspecting victims.

Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape encounter the most vehicle crime in the country.

The most affected suburbs in Kwa-Zulu Natal are Sydenham, Imbali and Avoca Hills. According to the report, most hijackings take place on a Friday in between 11am and 2pm, and then from 8pm to 11pm on the same day.

Hijackings have been less common on the North Coast, though just last month a man was hijacked by four armed men at bridge two on the N2, near Mtunzini.

Umhlali SAPS Captain Vinny Pillay confirmed that vehicle theft was more common than hijacking locally.

“But you should always be alert to the possibility and take precautions,” urged Captain Pillay.

Regarding vehicle theft, he advised people to park in open parking areas, not in isolated spots, and not to leave valuables in the car.

“As we are approaching the summer period, I also want to warn people not to leave their keys in their towels on the beach and go swimming, as people are often watching and will then easily steal the vehicle.”

“The best thing to do if someone attempts to hijack you, is drive to the nearest police station or to a safe spot like a service station, if you are able to,” said Captain Pillay.

Ron Knott-Craig, executive operational services at Tracker South Africa, said that many people go about their regular driving activity on auto-pilot without much awareness or consideration for what is going on around them.

“Criminals recognise and take advantage of this complacency.

“To avoid being an easy target, we need to stay alert and be vigilant.

“Avoid distractions while driving and pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t believe it could never happen to you,” said Knott-Craig.

The suburbs of Glenwood, Morningside and Musgrave in Kwa-Zulu Natal were listed on the report as suburbs with the most activations of vehicle thefts.

This took place mainly on a Saturday between 12pm and 2pm.

The primary motivation was to gain access to fast-moving consumables.

“Should an incident occur, report it to your tracking company and authorities as soon as possible.

“Also, try to remember as much detail as possible to provide a good description to authorities, such as the location where the crime occurred, clothing and appearance of the hijackers, and any other information that may assist authorities in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

“Also, Crime Stop is a SAPS toll-free number and can be contacted to anonymously report criminal activities on 08600 10111, or send an anonymous SMS to Crime Line at 32211,” Knott-Craig said.

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