Two hijacked trucks prompt police warning
“A passenger in a passing vehicle indicated to them that there was something wrong with the truck at the back of the truck.”
Police have issued a warning after two trucks were tricked into stopping only to be hijacked recently.
Spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach said two trucks were hijacked in broad daylight.
This happened over two days between 12:00 and 15:00 on the N1 freeway at the Lynnwood Road and
Delmas Road intersection in Erasmuskloof.
Weilbach said the criminals used the same modus operandi in both hijackings last week Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The truck drivers reported to the police that a passenger in a passing vehicle indicated to them that there was something wrong with the truck at the back of the truck.”
She said both truck drivers described how they stopped to investigate.
“The truck drivers did not expect any foul play as the vehicle with the person who indicated the problem, drove off.”
A second vehicle with two to three men would then approach the parked truck and take possession of the truck.
Weilbach said the truck drivers and their crew were forced into another vehicle and were later dropped off at different locations.
“Police urge truck drivers to be alert at all times to prevent these types of hijackings as the Brooklyn police station was not the only station with reports of truck hijackings.”
She said crime prevention remained better than crime detection. Police offered the following tips to truck drivers and trucking companies;
– Ensure the truck is in a good condition.
– Enforce a “no stop” policy for drivers when possible, especially within two to three hours of the trip origin.
– Avoid stopping at remote places.
– Remember, there is safety in motion. The most dangerous times for hijacking are when a vehicle is stopped.
– Drivers must alternate between routes, where possible.
– Inform the dispatcher of the route and then follow it. If the route changes, the driver should inform someone.
– Park in secure areas with ample lighting.
– Only stop in designated rest areas where there are other trucks parked.
Anyone with useful information could call the Brooklyn police station on 012-366-1735/6, or the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line 32211 to report crime anonymously.
Also read:
Hijackings reach alarming figures
Truck hijacking spike in the west
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