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Carjacking incidents on the rise, Brighton Beach SAPS warns
According to the station’s communications officer, Captain Louise le Roux, a noticeable increase in carjacking incidents has occurred over the last three months.
BRIGHTON Beach police warn of prevailing carjacking incidents.
According to the station’s communications officer, Captain Louise le Roux, a noticeable increase in carjacking incidents has occurred over the last three months within the Brighton Beach policing precinct.
“These crimes are predominantly being committed during the day, within the areas of Bayhead, Clairwood and Jacobs. The perpetrators of this crime operate in groups two, four or six, and are all males. Victims are generally targeted as they enter or exit their vehicles. Weapons of choice are predominantly firearms,” she said.
Le Roux provides guidelines that can assist in minimising the risk of falling prey to a carjacking as well as how to respond to such a crime being imposed on the occupant of a vehicle.
“Always ensure that the window of your vehicle is wound up. This can prevent a firearm from being pointed directly in your face when entering or exiting your vehicle. If you suspect that you are being followed while operating your vehicle, drive to your nearest police station or busy public place and not home. Turn on your emergency lights, and use your hooter to attract attention to yourself if you think you are in danger.
“When walking towards your vehicle be observant of others following you, if you suspect that you are being followed change your direction or seek the assistance of a security officer or enter the nearest shop. When leaving on foot to approach your vehicle do not walk texting or talking on your phone. This also applies when exiting your vehicle. Have your vehicle keys on hand immediately when entering your vehicle and lock the doors.
“If you have a shopping trolley or bags wave down a car-guard to accompany you to your vehicle and while he/she is helping to pack items into the trunk or back seats remain observant of your surroundings. When exiting or entering your premises ensure that your vehicle’s windows are wound up and doors are locked. Be observant of individuals sitting in a vehicle around your home and individuals lingering around.”
She advised that should you find yourself in a carjacking situation, comply with the attacker’s demands.
“Do not make any sudden moves and do not challenge your attackers. If there is a baby, toddler or child in the car point this out to the perpetrators and ask for their release. Often these perpetrators may not be aware that there is a baby or toddler in the vehicle as they are not always visible.”
“In situations like these anxiety levels are high. If possible try and memorise at least the first three digits of the registration number, this can assist law enforcement to circulate the perpetrator’s vehicle.
“Often we will find that vehicle owners do not know their vehicle registration numbers. This makes it difficult for law enforcement to immediately activate resources in search of the taken vehicle,” said Le Roux.
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