The Wierdabrug Community Policing Forum Sector 3 has taken it upon itself to educate residents on ways of taking reasonable care so as not to become a hijack victim and to be alert of suspicious cars and people hanging around one’s street or residence that do not belong there. This was revealed after community members expressed their concern about the rate of motor theft and hijackings in Centurion.
CPF Sector 3 chairperson, Hannes du Buisson, said the forum encouraged members to patrol their streets and surroundings and to report suspicious people or motor vehicles to the command centre. According to residents, the recently reported increasing number of hijackings have become a huge concern to many. In one of the recent incidents, a concerned resident posted on Facebook that her mother and younger brother had just been hijacked at the robot next to the Lifestyle Centre in Centurion. Her brother was hit in the face.
Police spokesperson, Captain Agnes Huma, said motorists should always be aware of hijackers, especially when driving at night. She said motorists should take note of suspicious vehicles and always ensure that it is safe to get into the yard, as many people are hijacked while opening the gates to their homes.
Du Buisson said theft of motor vehicles and hijackings seemed to be sporadic. He said many people got shot or killed as a result of hijackings. He added that in most theft cases, cars were stolen during house robberies, while the majority of hijackings occurred when car owners were in front of their gates waiting for the gates to open.
“It is during this time that most people are simply followed and become easy prey, especially if they follow the same routine every day,” said Du Buisson. “We encourage residents to join organisations such as the CPF and to report any criminal activities by calling 072-837-5278 or 072-822-9312. All information will be handled confidentially. To become part of creating a safer community, the CPF invites all community members to join.”
