Be aware next time you go to a drive-thru: hijacking trend emerging

Security experts have warned on increasing hijackings in the drive-thru of fast food restaurants.

Fidelity ADT spokesperson, Charnel Hattingh said the security company issued the warning after this new hijacking modus operandi was reported to them.

She said the hijackers sandwich their target, the “armed suspects from the vehicle in front of you get out and attempt to hijack your vehicle”.

“The vehicle behind you blocks in your car when you try and reverse,” she said, adding that there was an increase in the employment of this way of targeting motorists.

She said such opportunistic crime traditionally increased at this time of year and that heightening unemployment as well as growing inequality and poverty had exacerbated the problem.

Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) reported in August that the number of hijackings have more than doubled from last year, from 64 000 in 2020/21 to 134 000 in 2021/22.

It also said that in the most recent period, only about 63% of the victims reported some or all incidences to the police.

Motorists need to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. People tend to relax while queuing, often distracted by the task at hand and excited children.

Fidelity ADT offered the following safety tips for drive-thru queues:

– keep your bag in the boot – have your cash or card on hand for quick payment.

– only use well-frequented establishments in well-lit areas at night.

– keep your patronage to peak times when the establishment is busiest.

– keep all your windows and doors closed while waiting for your order.

– if possible don’t take the children through the drive-thru with you as they can be distracting.

– regularly check your rear-view mirrors while waiting.

– if you suspect you are being targeted, press your hooter to draw the attention of onlookers.

– if you have a panic button on your tracking device, activate it.

– if your children are with you, keep them in the back seat with the eldest always behind the driver.

– if you are hijacked while your children are in the car, climb out slowly and open the door behind you. Place your foot firmly on the floor inside as you lean across to retrieve the youngest child. The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can then get both out the car at once.

“Remember as we move closer to the festive season, this type of opportunistic crime will unfortunately be on the increase. You need to stay vigilant at all times and don’t take chances unnecessarily,” said Hattingh.

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