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Hijacking Your Attention. Tips On How to Avoid Being a Moving Target.

how to avoid car hijackings in South Africa

That’s a very nice Toyota you have there. Shiny. We see that you went with the universally appreciated white as well. It’s a really great look for you, even with the sand in the boot from the beach trip, the kids snack crumbs everywhere and that new dog smell – it’s lived in, a family car. You know who else thinks they’ll look good in it though? Everyone. And that’s why car jackers, bad guys, thieves and the vehicle black market are especially interested in taking possession of it by any means necessary. Yeah, we know, this article has already taken a turn you don’t like.

Did you know that there is an increase in the number of hijackings that take place in the second half of the year over the first? Since we have surged our way into August, somehow, it felt like an appropriate time to drop that piece of information like it’s hot, along with several hot spots to look out for and other hijacking trends.

First things first though – it’s not just Toyota drivers that are at risk. All South African’s are. However, Toyota, VW (especially you Polo drivers), and those fancy new Chinese brands are high on the bad guy shopping list. When it comes to colour, white and silver and other muted tones have been preferred historically due to low detection, but unfortunately for you lot with the colourful cabs, we are starting to shift into an equal opportunity era. Due to an increase in demand for components and parts, all colours are now a potential mark. Don’t you just feel so seen?

Here’s some stuff that you don’t want to know, but we are going to tell you anyway:

  • Your stolen vehicle may be used for other crimes. It’s the audacity at this point, really.
  • Yes, hijackings have gotten more violent. The bad guys are generally armed, and becoming increasingly trigger happy. Plus, there is often additional crew waiting in the wings (read: bushes) if you fight back, so don’t.
  • There is increasing risk that they won’t just drive off with your car, they will drive off with you. You have the passwords and codes for your bank accounts and home alarm system locked up upstairs taps side of head after all.
  • According to Tracker, more hijackings are reported on a Friday (between 4pm and 8pm), nationally, then any other day.

From a Tight Spot to a Hot Spot

Generally, it is understood that when it comes to Durban and our high hijacking stats (35.6% of all SA hijackings in 2023 happened in KZN, that’s only slightly lower than Gauteng’s percentage, and they have way more cars than us up there), nowhere is really safe. Not our driveways, and not our roadways, but there are some places more affected than others.

While we can be disillusioned enough with everything that we just draw a giant circle around the whole of Durban and call it a hot spot, the following is the actual list:

  • Umlazi
  • Bhekithemba
  • Ntuzuma
  • Marianhill
  • KwaMashu E
  • KwaDabeka
  • Pinetown
  • Umbilo
  • Inanda
  • Central Durban

So, proceed with extra caution in these areas, or avoid if at all possible.

3 New Hijacking Tricks Driving the Safety Concerns Up

So, since you’ve made it to the age you’ve made it too, you will know about the most prolific hijacking techniques. Things like driveway blocking; the follow you home stalker style approach; the obstructions in the road option and of course, perennial favourite, the rocks tossed off a bridge onto your moving vehicle one – all such a good time. These are of course still as relevant today as they were when news of them broke years ago, however there are 3 new(ish) ways that people are getting targeted, which we want you to be aware of.

  1. Drive-through block. Similar to the driveway block, but here you get trapped between two vehicles in a drive-through or fast-food establishment (is nothing sacred?). You can’t reverse, you can’t move forward. They run up with a gun and best-case scenario they leave you standing there with your food but with no appetite anymore.
  2. Tap-Tap Trap. Here you will be minding your own business when a car gently taps you from behind. Like we are told to do, we pull over so that we can inspect the damage and then exchange details for insurance. As you get out of your vehicle they swoop in and drive away with it.
  3. The Good Samaritan. Unfortunately, we have entered a phase where good guys are getting weaponized. Beware the person that is telling you, you have a flat tire at a traffic light, or that there is some other issue with your car, because when you pull over in a panic, that’s when your vehicle gets taken.

Hijacking Their Trends to Keep You Informed.

Here are some things to consider, which may help you stay safe on the roads and yes, your driveways.

  • Strength in numbers. People driving alone are generally more likely to get hijacked then those travelling with others in the car.
  • Stay alert. That means avoid using your phone while driving.
  • Remember the ‘5-minute rule’ not to be confused with the ‘5 second rule’ which is also time honoured. When 5 minutes out from your home pay extra attention to your surroundings. Be alert and if someone is following don’t try and get home quick, rather do not pass go and head to the police station instead.
  • Once in your driveway waiting on your gate, pop your car into reverse. This is confusing for would be hijackers.
  • New trend – hijackers have been using the GPS in a stolen vehicle to then go and rob the victim’s home. Rather use your nearest service station or something like that as your saved ‘home’ location.
  • If you see obstacles on the road. Don’t stop and observe or even avoid. Reverse and get out of dodge.
  • Save emergency contact numbers on your phone. Good news, you only need one. In Case of Anything. 086 162 7732

At the end of the day, South Africans may not be able to prevent the bad things from happening all the time, but we can prepare for them, and we can be proactive with our protection. At Marshall Security we pride ourselves on our care for the community and always onboard ways to make our services better, to provide you with greater peace of mind. Call us, in Case of Anything. Including hijackings. Hit your panic and we’re on our way to you, wherever you are. Including the drive-through where you’re still clutching your KFC, looking longingly at where your car used to be.

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