Honeydew and Roodepoort, the hijacking hotspots of Gauteng
See Ctrack's list of the top five hijacking hot spots in Gauteng.
In Gauteng, Honeydew and Roodepoort topped the list of being the most targeted areas for hijackers and thieves, according to Ctrack, a vehicle tracking, fleet management and insurance telematics company.
It listed the top five hijacking hot spots in Gauteng and saw Honeydew, which covers areas such as the crime-ridden Zandspruit, coming out on top. Booysens was listed second, followed by Roodepoort in third place, Linden in fourth and Brooklyn in Pretoria taking fifth position.
Read more: [INTERACTIVE MAP] Top hijacking and smash ‘n’ grab hotspots in JHB, Pretoria
The report also named the top five hot spots in other provinces such as the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the most-hijacked vehicles, the latter being –
VW Polo – Passenger vehicle
Toyota Fortuner – SUV
Ford – Third most-targeted manufacturer
The data correlates with the best-selling cars in South Africa as of May 2017, it said.
Arrive Alive has the following sound advice to help prevent becoming the victim of a hijacking:
• Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• When returning to your parked car, be aware of the surroundings.
• Walk to your car confidently. Have your key ready but not visible. Only unlock your car when you’re close by.
• Don’t talk on the phone as you walk to/ from your vehicle.
• Check the back seat before getting into the car, even if you left it locked.
• Plan the safest route. Drive with a GPS and let someone know what route are taking and when to expect you somewhere.
• Avoid high-crime areas or hijacking hot spots.
• Change your routes and your schedule on a regular basis.
• Try not to drive late at night and/ or in the early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
• Always check the rear view mirror to see if you’re being followed, and if you suspect you are, rather drive to your nearest police station or a busy public area, but don’t go home.
• Keep your doors locked at all times and do not drive with your windows open.
• Put all valuables out of sight, especially handbags and laptops. Place these items in the boot of your car.
• If possible, install a smash-and-grab window film for extra protection.
• When approaching a red traffic light, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.
• Try to stop about five metres behind the car in front of you at a stop sign or traffic light – it makes it easier to get away if trouble arises.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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