KZN has second highest car theft cases in South Africa

Despite a 5.2% decrease in motor vehicle theft from last year, the fight is far from over.

According to the latest SAPS crime figures, an alarming 8 611 incidents were reported between April and June this year, amounting to 96 cars being stolen/hijacked a day.

With a staggering 4 529 cases, Gauteng makes up 52% of the total, but KwaZulu-Natal comes in second with 1 401, while the Western Cape is not far behind with 1 220 incidents reported.

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While the advances in technology make day-to-day life easier, criminals have used it to their advantage in a bid to outwit vehicle security, which is evident in the surge in insurance claims relating to the theft of keyless vehicles.

Shopping centre parking lots have been identified as hot spots for hijackers to target unsuspecting victims.

It is reported that the most common times for hijackings are Fridays between 3pm and 10pm, and 11am to 3pm on Saturdays.

While no one plans to become a victim of car theft or hijacking, there are measures vehicle owners can put in place to avoid becoming an easy target.

Here are some tips:

• Ensure your windows have smash-and-grab tint; be vigilant and keep windows closed and doors locked at stop streets and traffic lights, especially at night
• Deactivate keyless entry when convenient, and opt for manually pressing the button
• Always manually check your car’s doors are locked before leaving the parking lot
• Be selective about where you park your car. Opt for paid parking at shopping centres, in a visible area during the day and in the garage at night if possible
• Avoid placing your valuables in the boot, especially in plain sight
• Invest in a steering wheel lock
• Travel on safer routes and avoid known hijacking hot spots
• Stay on high alert and ensure you are not being followed. If you feel someone is following you, do not go home but drive to the nearest police station
• Do your research and invest in a tracking device for your car. While it may not prevent theft, it could help with recovery
• Keep your keys in a Faraday pouch to make it impossible for thieves to pick up its signal

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