New hijacking trick on East road

Boschkop police have sent a warning to motorists to beware of a new hijacking trend that has been taking place on the R104 (Old Bronkhorstspruit Road).

In this trend robbers target motorists who stop by the side of the road to either urinate or check their tyres.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Yeroboam Mbatsane said a recent incident was reported where a 33-year-old man was attacked by three armed men while he had stopped by the side of the road.

“They tied him up in the bushes and took his belongings,” he said.

“His vehicle, cellphone and cash were taken. The victim was then left in the bushes.”

Mbatsabe warned motorists to be extra careful when driving on the R104 road during the day and night.

He advised motorists to avoid stopping by the side of the road and to opt for reaching their nearest petrol station before stopping.

Here are some tips according to Arrive Alive on how to protect yourself during such incidents:

When parking your vehicle:

– Check your rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.

– When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.

– Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.

– When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons. This is very important as the majority of hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.

While entering your vehicle and while driving, the following should be considered:

– Have your key ready, but not visible.

– Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking. Check underneath your vehicle for items placed under the wheels. Also, make sure nobody is hiding in the passenger side before you enter your vehicle. (As explained during the hijack prevention and survival course).

– Know your destination and directions to it, and be alert should you get lost.

– Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.

– Make a mental note of any police stations in the vicinity.

– When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.

– When dropping off a passenger, make sure they are safe in their own vehicle before departing.

– Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.

– Avoid driving late at night / early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.

– Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible.

– If possible, never drive alone.

– Never pick up hitchhikers or strangers. (Very important)

– Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular basis.

ALSO READ: ‘We have to use a pit toilet,’ RDP housing beneficiary tells delegation

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: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram