How to safeguard yourself from car criminals
“First go to your driveway gate while it is still closed and look up and down the street to check for any strange things like people and vehicles you don’t know.”
Authorities in the east of Pretoria are still concerned about vehicle-related crimes.
This as the police statistics for Gauteng showed carjackings had increased by 16.1% in the 2019/2020 financial year.
Silverton police spokesperson Warrant Officer Isaac Mculu gave various warnings and tips on how residents could avoid becoming victims of car-related crimes.
The area’s statistics showed that carjacking has increased by 17.2%, theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles by 22.1% and theft out of motor vehicles by 12.5 %.
Mculu said it was important to make sure that when you leave your home you pay attention to your surroundings before driving off.
“Do not just reverse the vehicle out of the garage onto the driveway past your gate,” he said.
“First go to your driveway gate while it is still closed and look up and down the street to check for any strange things like people and vehicles you don’t know.”
He said after making certain it is safe, take out your vehicle and then drive out.
If possible, park your vehicle in such a way that if the need arises, you can still flee forward or backwards down the street.
“That is if you need to wait for an automatic door or gate to close,” he said.
When you return home, as you near your house ensure that you observe your mirrors to see if there is no vehicle or people following you.
Mculu said even on foot, criminals could be dangerous.
“If you feel unsafe, rather drive around and see if they follow you,” he said.
“Drive around the block. If they follow you or are still standing there, call for help. Never stop. Stopping will end up with you becoming a victim.”
Mculu, however, reiterated that motorists should not try and be heroes if the criminals were confrontational and armed.
He urged people who found themselves in danger to rather co-operate to avoid being injured or killed.
“Remember, a bullet from a suspect travels much faster than any counter-reaction you can do,” he said.
“Rather be safe and calm. Your life can never be replaced if lost, property can always be replaced.”
In case your car is stolen, Mculu advised motorists to make sure that they had a tracker or a cheap cellphone with GPS on it.
“Get a prepaid SIM card, register a Google account on it, put it on silent so it does not ring and hides it inside your vehicle. Recharge it when you are at home and put it back,” he said.
“Give two or more friends your username and password and they will be able to track your vehicle live when it is stolen.”
Mculu urged residents to think out of the box to avoid a repeat of these crimes.
“The more eyes and ears we have on the streets, the smaller [the world] gets for the suspects.”
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