Kasselman Security Services supplied Ctrack’s latest hijacking and theft report, detailing the number of hijacked cars and hijacking hot spots in South Africa.
The company listed the most hijacked vehicles as:
• VW Polo – Passenger vehicle
• Toyota Fortuner – SUV
• Ford – Third most targeted manufacturer
According to the report, the data coincides with the best-selling cars in South Africa as of May last year.
The top five hijacking hot spots in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape are:
Gauteng:
• Honeydew
• Booysens
• Roodepoort
• Linden
• Brooklyn
KwaZulu-Natal:
• Berea
• Durban Central
• Phoenix
• Umbilo
• Chatsworth
Western Cape:
• Bellville
Cape Town:
• Mitchells Plain
• Parow
• Woodstock
Herewith a few anti-hijacking tips from Kasselman Security Services:
1. If the window is totally closed, it is easier to break, always leave your window about 5cm open.
2. Do not race to a red traffic light, only stationary vehicles are hijacked. Glide to the red light, so there is only a short time until the robot turns green.
3. Be very alert when going under bridges, stones are dropped onto windscreens, forcing one to stop.
4. When a gun is pointed at your window, put both hands up, facing the gunman. Always allow him to see your hands because otherwise he might think you are looking for a gun and might shoot.
5. If there is a child in the vehicle, always put their car seat behind the driver’s seat. It is easier to get the child out the car than having to lean over and take the child out the passenger side or to walk around the car to the passenger seat.
6. When driving up to your house, never park in your driveway, facing the gate. Criminals can park behind you and park you in, making it easier to get what they want. Always stop in the road until the gate is open before you turn into your driveway. That way, should anything look suspicious, you can drive off.
Remember to be aware of your surroundings at all times, be safe.
