With over 60 per cent of all hijackings taking place close to home, knowing what to look out for and how to prevent falling prey to hijackers are very pertinent topics.
“Although the number of hijackings reported nationally is on the decline, hijackings are still a reality in South Africa.
“Being aware of your surrounds and knowing how to respond if you find yourself in a hijacking situation is critical,” says Clive Humphrey, Managing Director of ADT Central Region.
ADT has partnered with the National Hijack Prevention Academy to offer drivers useful tips.
If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home. If you are being followed, you will force the vehicle behind you to pass and this could cause the criminals to lose interest.
If you need to stop in your driveway to open the gate manually, always leave the key in the ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car.
Only then should you take the key with you as you open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool if they want your car and you want our child.
Always make sure you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you when you stop in the traffic. This gives you enough room to manoeuvre and escape.
Do not fall for the “tap tap” trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic.
They often use female drivers as decoys for this purpose.
Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage but rather drive to a busy location.
Signal to the other driver to follow you.
If it is not legitimate they seldom will follow you.
If you stay in a secure complex with security guards, do not be fooled into thinking you are safe.
You can be followed into your complex easily, so always remain vigilant.
Research shows that most people start relaxing the closer they get to home and this is when they are most vulnerable.
“A parent’s worst nightmare is being hijacked and seeing the criminals driving off with their child in the car,” says Humphrey.
“Fortunately statistics show that in less than 0,1 per cent of hijack cases, a child was taken with the vehicle.
“The reason is that when children are involved it becomes difficult for the hijackers as the crime escalates from a statistic with little attention to a priority crime attracting a lot of attention.”
“We suggest however, that you seat the eldest child directly behind the driver’s seat and the youngest to the left.
“Should you be hijacked while your children are in the car, get out of the vehicle slowly and move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door.
“Place one foot in the car as you lean across to retrieve the youngest child.
“The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can get both children out of the car at once.
“Remember to stay as calm as possible,” Humphrey adds.
In the unfortunate event that you are hijacked, how do you give your car over in a non-threatening manner?
“The first and golden rule is not to antagonise the hijackers who are probably more scared than you are.
“You need to show them you are not a threat. Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender.
“Use your left arm to undo your seat belt and put your car in neutral. Do not turn off your car, and get out slowly.” says Humphrey.
“Try and angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on.
“Also remember to protect your head with your arms and avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers; but try remember what they are wearing, the sound of their voices and other useful information.
“Most importantly try to remain calm,” he concludes.
