8 tips why you should not hitchhike

A case was recently opened for investigation, where hitchhikers robbed the driver of a vehicle of personal belongings and left him on the side of the road. In other cases, persons taking a lift have been held at gunpoint and robbed.

Here are 8 tips why you should not hitchhike, according to Saps:
1. Hitchhiking places you in a vulnerable position and at the mercy of those with criminal intent.

2. Your safety is put at risk as there is no guarantee that an unknown driver will take you safely to your destination.

3. Criminals are opportunistic and will not hesitate to rob unsuspecting persons of valuables such as cellphones, cash and expensive clothing items.

4. Women, some hitchhiking with young children, are even more vulnerable and easy targets to be robbed or worse.

5. After being robbed a person may be left in a deserted area to find their way home or to the nearest police station.

6. Drivers who offer unknown persons a lift are also at risk of being held up with a weapon and hijacked, or robbed of their possessions.

7. Saps warns the public to be extra vigilant with regard to their safety during this busy time, and warns against hitchhiking.

8. Do not put your life at risk while trying to save on travelling expenses.

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