6 hijacking trends to guard against

It’s no secret that crime is rife across South Africa, and with hijacking having increased in recent years, every citizen must take all precautions to avoid falling victim.

Here are six hijacking trends that motorists should be aware of to guard against becoming a statistic.

1. Driveway hijackings: Victims can become a target in their own driveway when they are waiting for the gate to open or close. This allows criminals to box them in when they are entering or exiting their property.

2. The blockage method: Hijackers ambush unsuspecting motorists or even delivery drivers in drive-throughs of fast food establishments, where they have little room for escape and are forced to comply with demands.

There are usually two vehicles involved; one car will be in front of a motorist, and another car will be behind them to prevent them from reversing. Armed suspects from the car in front will try to force the motorist out of their vehicle and then make a getaway.

3. The ‘tap tap’ trap: Criminals will deliberately drive into or ‘tap’ the back of your car in traffic. Motorists are then hijacked when they get out of the car to assess the damage.

4. The good Samaritan: Perpetrators convince targets that something is wrong with their vehicle at traffic lights, and they are then hijacked when they get out to see what’s ‘wrong’ with their car.

5. The slow-moving traffic method: Criminals will choose a spot in traffic where it’s moving slowly or they will follow a target at a distance. They will later move closer and strike the victim at a traffic light.

6. The imposter method or ‘fake blue light’ trend: Perpetrators will pose as officials to get motorists to pull over or to grant them access to their properties, on the road, at homes or businesses.

Source: www.cartrack.co.za/blog

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