Carjackings on the rise, warns Brighton Beach SAPS

BRIGHTON Beach police officers have urged motorists, in their policing precinct, to be cautious following a spike in carjackings. 

According to the police station’s communications officer, Captain Louise le Roux, the crimes occur at no specific day or time. In an effort to curb the crime, she held a brochure campaign at the Bluff Towers Mall to create awareness on the prevailing crime during a foot beat operation.

“Perpetrators operate in groups of two up to eight. Weapons of choice are mostly firearms and knives. We are grateful to the management and tenants at the mall for creating a platform for us to sensitise locals and visitors to the policing precinct of a prevailing crime trend,” she said.

The following hints were provided to help motorists minimise the risk of falling prey to carjacking while travelling:

●Always travel with the doors locked and windows up. 

●Leave enough room between your car and the one in front to avoid being boxed in. Ensure you can see where the tyres of the other car make contact with the road. 

●Remain in your car if it is hit from behind by another vehicle. Inspect any damage only once you are sure it is not a hijacking attempt.

●Attract the attention of other motorists or pedestrians if you think you are in danger. You can use the hooter, flash your lights, put your emergency lights on or shout. 

●Do not stop if a passerby indicates that your car has a flat tyre. Drive to the nearest service station or safe area and check it there.

●If approached by a suspicious-looking person, especially at night or in lonely areas, drive off quickly from a stop street or intersection, always heeding traffic danger. Skipping a stop sign or red light remains an offence and the onus is on you to prove that your action was in self-defence.

●At unusual roadblocks or vehicle checkpoints, keep windows closed and doors locked. Wind your window down not more than 5cm and request the appointment certificate of the police official or traffic officer, it is your right.

●Do not park alongside a road to take a rest when travelling for long distances especially at night, rather use the demarcated stop to rest places. 

●Should you observe a suspicious person seated in a vehicle for a while, make a report to the police telephonically, with a description of occupant, colour, make, model and registration number of the vehicle.

●Do not pick up hitchhikers or unknown passengers. 

●Do not stop at the scene of an accident unless you are convinced it is genuine. Accidents can be set up in the hope that you will stop to assist. Sometimes a “body” is put next to the road. Rather drive on and report the incident at the nearest police station. Even slowing down may make you vulnerable.

●Do not be distracted by people handing out flyers at intersections or purchase items from vendors.

●If you suspect that you are being followed drive to your nearest police station or busy public place and not home.    

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