North sleuth gives anti hijacking, survival tips

“Celebrity” private investigator Mike Bolhuis from the north of Pretoria recently gave some tips on how to avoid becoming a hijacking statistic.

This as hijackings have increased by more than 22% in the past month, according to a press statement released by Bolhuis, owner of Specialised Security Service (SSS).

Bolhuis stressed the importance of protecting oneself in such an event and teaching our children how to act in such traumatising circumstances through deliberate changes in our own behaviour.

“The hijackers are local syndicates with extensive connections in government, SAPS, tracking companies, banks and other authorities.

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They have contacts in these organisations for the necessary certificates and licences,” Bolhuis explained.

Bolhuis said hijacking is a high-profit crime and perpetrators usually know what they are doing and which cars they want.

He further said perpetrators first observe and plan the crime.

“They will sometimes be more opportunistic and maybe take a cheaper car, even if there is no existing buyer – if it is an easy target, nothing will stand in their way. The criminals are prepared to kill, especially if it is an expensive motor vehicle or if they feel threatened. This is a very lucrative business and most vehicles cross the borders within a few hours,” Bolhuis said.

According to Bolhuis, the perpetrators usually get away with the hijacking as there are no real deterrents to them.

“They are part of an infrastructure which flourishes because of the involvement of authorities. The trend will probably escalate and continue – crime begets crime.”

Each day, about 45 cars are stolen or hijacked in South Africa.

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“Hijackers primarily target vehicles ‘to order’. There are typically two categories of vehicles hijacked – commercial vehicles hijacked for their cargo and high-value SUVs hijacked to order”.

The most popular hijacked vehicle is the Volkswagen Polo, followed by Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Toyota Fortuner is the most popular SUV for criminals, followed by Land Rover and Nissan.

The Toyota Hilux is said to account for 39% of all bakkies or light delivery vehicles stolen, followed by Ford Ranger.

Nissan, Scania and Freightliner make up the three most popular trucks stolen.

Statistics released by Tracker suggest most hijackings occur on a Friday from 12:00 to 14:00 and 20:00 to 23:00, mostly at traffic lights.

Bolhuis warned motorists to become aware of crime and hijacking hot spots and to be always vigilant.

Windows and doors should be closed while motorists are warned to refrain from using their phones. They should also take care not to drive with expensive jewellery, laptops and other valuables in plain sight.

“When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it as it turns green.”

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