These days, refuelling your car not only hurts because of the petrol price, but also due to the risk of robberies or hijacking at petrol stations.
Whilst obtaining car insurance quotes and making sure you have good car insurance to protect your vehicle is critical, you also need to be aware of the dangers that face you as a motorist.
Here are some tips that can help keep you safe while you’re at the petrol pump.
Be alert, stay alive (especially in Gauteng)
Hijackings and robberies at petrol stations throughout Gauteng are on the increase. Police and other industry players have warned motorists to be more alert.
According to research by the Institute for Security Studies, hijackings in South Africa have increased by 55% in the past four years with at least 40 hijackings daily. Gauteng is a hotspot for vehicle theft and hijackings, with almost two out of three incidents taking place in the province.
Director of the South African Petroleum Retail Association, Vishal Premlall, said it was important for motorists to understand that most petrol stations were not equipped to manage this risk and attendants were unarmed.
So what can you do to stay safe?
Fidelity ADT community development manager, Linda Reeder, and Captain Manara Ramotshela, the spokesperson of the Alberton Police Station, shared the following tips for motorists to avoid hijackings and robberies at fuel stations:
- Plan routes carefully, so you don’t need to stop in high-risk areas to fill up.
Ideally choose three preferred suppliers along your daily routes and make sure you change your routes regularly. It’s not wise to fill up in the early morning or late evening.
- A petrol station is not a place to let your guard down.
Stopping to refuel your car is definitely not the time to stop and make calls or check your phone for messages. Windows need to be closed at all times and your boot should also be locked. A favourite tactic is for someone to come to your window and while they are speaking to you, another person comes around your car and opens the passenger door.
- Be aware of your surroundings and have a back-up plan in case of an emergency.
Act in a way that you would if you know you are being watched, because you probably are being watched.
- If you see a car parked at the station or following you that looks suspicious, don’t stop.
Always keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious, and if you see something inform the SAPS or a local security company to assess the suspicious person. If you see something suspicious or believe someone is following you, drive to the nearest police station. Alternatively, know your sector police patrol vehicles’ number so that you can call them immediately.
While we cannot prevent or foresee all possible dangers for motorists, we can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with adequate car insurance. Make the wise insurance choice and get in touch with Old Mutual iWYZE about affordable, comprehensive and reliable car insurance. Get a Car Insurance Quote today.
Old Mutual Insure Ltd is an authorised FSP (FSP12). Risk profile dependent. Terms and conditions apply.
Additional sources:
https://sandtonchronicle.co.za/184689/how-to-avoid-being-hijacked-at-a-petrol-station/
Hijack Prevention Guidelines – How can we better protect Ourselves? https://t.co/3XM1cePCzN #ArriveAlive #Hijacking #NHPA pic.twitter.com/XfzSsEYSeq
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 8, 2018
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