Do criminals take holidays? The answer is yes

New data from Tracker shows a notable slowdown in vehicle crime during the festive season, with December 2025 seeing a drop in both theft and hijacking of personally and business-owned vehicles.

According to Duma Ngcobo, Tracker’s Chief Operating Officer, the Tracker Vehicle Crime Index reports an overall 30% decline in vehicle crime compared to previous months, largely due to a 35% decrease in theft of business-owned vehicles as schools, workplaces and commercial operations slow down for the holidays.

National and regional trends

While the national trend shows a decrease, regional patterns vary.

Gauteng, which normally records the highest vehicle crime volumes, mirrors the national dip. KwaZulu-Natal maintains its usual levels, while the Western Cape sees an unusual increase in crime involving business-owned vehicles, likely linked to busy tourist areas, hospitality activity, and ongoing deliveries during December.

Also read: A playful Easter tradition for South African homes

When and where crime happens

Tracker’s data also highlights patterns in timing:

• Hijackings of personally owned vehicles mostly happen during weekdays, peaking on Tuesdays from 16:00 to 21:00.
• Vehicle theft generally spikes over weekends, especially Saturdays from 11:00 to 16:00.
• For business vehicles, hijackings peak on Wednesdays from 16:00 to 21:00, while theft occurs most often on Fridays between 11:00 and 21:00.
• Nationally, hijackings of business vehicles happen at double the rate of theft, while personal vehicles are slightly more likely to be stolen than hijacked.

Tracker’s impact and safety advice

During the second half of 2025, Tracker recovered 3 590 vehicles, assisted in 127 arrests and helped recover 12 firearms.

Ngcobo reminds residents: “Even though numbers drop over the holiday period, it’s crucial to stay alert. Crime hasn’t taken a holiday, and being vigilant could make all the difference.”