An increasing number of hijackings in Pretoria West has become a cause for concern, Pretoria West police spokesperson captain Louise Reed-Steynberg said.
She said there had been a sharp uptick in the number of hijackings in the area from November last year to January, compared to the same period last year.
Reed-Steynberg said: “Most of the vehicles hijacked are cigarette trucks from British American Tobacco. Hijackers also target Toyotas and VW Polos. The preferred colour is white although other colours are taken as well.”
She said hijackers were also targeting bakkies with a canopy in Danville, Philip Nel Park and surrounding areas.
“It is suspected that a syndicate is committing these crimes. Therefore we urge the community to park bakkies with canopies in a garage or somewhere safe. If anyone has information regarding this syndicate, they are urged to contact the Pretoria West police,” she said.
“The main hotpots on Straatsartillery Road are at the corner of Rebecca Street (at the cemetery) and the corner of E’skia Mphahlele (DF Malan) Drive. The metro police are patrolling the area which has decreased the hijackings during the day.
“Drivers must still be vigilant especially at night and be constantly aware of their immediate surroundings. Another area to be very careful at is Qwagga Road. Incidents have been reported at most of the traffic lights in Qwagga Road,” she said.
Reed-Steynberg said most hijackings happened on Mondays and Tuesdays between 06:00 and 12:00 during and between 18:00 and 24:00. “Most vehicles that are hijacked are recovered in the west of Pretoria.”
Anti-hijacking safety tips:
- Do not stop on the side of the road unless it is an absolute emergency. If you have to stop, find a safe place.
Reed-Steynberg said a crime was reported in which a man who has stopped on the side of the road to fix a window wiper and was hijacked.
“If you need to use a bathroom, go to the nearest garage or mall and always go where there are lights and people.”
- Couples or friends sitting around in vehicles at night are also an easy target. Rather go to restaurants or visit at home.
- If you are driving to your house look at the surrounding area, if you see someone strange or vehicles that look suspicious, drive past and contact the police. It takes seconds for the hijackers to pull you out of your vehicle at gun point or drive off with you.
- If you are hijacked at gunpoint let it go, your life cannot be replaced.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
