Say no to hijacking- do not be a victim

The brutal death of toddler Taegrin Morris at the hand of hijackers sent shock and terror throughout the nation. The nation was grappling to come to terms with not only the slaying of Taegrin but the extent to which hijacking as worsened over the years. As a response Richard Brussow, Founder of the National Hijack Prevention Academy has come up with a few helpful tips to avoid being a victim of a hijacking.

Statistics show that 68% percent of all hijacking occurs close to home so it is imperative to be extra vigilant.

One can be extra vigilant by:

1. If you have an electric gate, open it while your car is still on the road thus allowing for a quick getaway if possible.
2. If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home.
3.  If you need to stop in your driveway to manually open your gate, always leave the key in ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car. If your child is in the car, take the key with you. The key is a valuable negotiating tool- the criminals want the car and you want the child.
4. Always make sure you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you that way you can plan how you can escape or manoeuvre the vehicle if possible.
5. Do not antagonize the hijackers; you need to show them you are not a threat.
6. Lift up your arms to show you are unarmed.
7. Be cautious not to use your right arm to lean across and undo a seatbelt as it might be construed as you reaching for a gun.
8. Get out of the vehicle slowly and try to angle your body sideways so you are not in direct contact with the firearm.
9. Do not turn your back on the hijackers your organs are more exposed from the back.
10. Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers but still try to take in what they are wearing, the sound of their voices etc.