To have your car stolen is one thing, but to experience a hijacking must surely be highly traumatic. Read more to find out about hijacking in South Africa in 2021.1
Hijackings continue at a serious rate1
According to a February 2021 article by ‘IOL Motoring’1, hijackings decreased by only 5% during the period July – December 2020.
Car theft less due to pandemic1
It makes sense that with fewer cars on the road due to the pandemic, there are fewer to steal.
What is the most frequent car crime?1
The hijacking rate still exceeds the car theft rate by about 6%, and for this very reason, motorists need to be constantly alert of their surroundings.
What or who are hijackers targeting?1
Hijackers appear to be more opportunistic, focusing on vehicles carrying loads such as consumables. Drivers with large amounts of cash also fall victim.
What is the hijacking time window look like?1
Most hijackings occur between 16h00 and 20h00, from Wednesday to Friday. This time window was confirmed by the National Hijacking Prevention Academy, with the most hijackings occurring on a Friday during the same hours. Car thefts occur within a similar time window but between 11h00 and 15h00.
Where are the hijacking hotspots?1
Gauteng is still the hijacking hotspot of South Africa, with hijackings occurring most frequently in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Durban is next for hijackings and theft, while most hijackings occur in Mitchells Plain and car theft in Cape Town. Other targeted cities are eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, Dennilton in Limpopo, Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Bloemfontein in the Free State, Motherwell in the Eastern Cape, and Rustenburg in North West Province.
The following are some tips that can be followed to help minimise the risk of being hijacked.
Are you being followed?1
If it looks like someone is following you, start to turn left and right at random. If the car is still following you, go to the nearest police station or, if not possible, park where there are guards, such as at a shopping mall.
What other measures can you take?1
Ensure your driveway has no hiding places. Whenever you are about to enter your driveway, stop first on the side of the road if some cars happen to be behind you, and let them pass. In doing so, they can’t park you in.
With hijackings and car theft continuing to afflict many parts of South Africa, it becomes evident that cover is required to protect against the loss of your car. Some South African motorists may think that this type of crime will never happen to us, but if it should, the loss of our vehicles could have a severe financial impact on our earning ability. In addition, how long will it take to replace a car that is worth R100 000? So, why not contact PMD and discover more about their affordable car insurance products with fixed premiums.*? T’s and C’s apply.
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1 Here’s when you’re most likely to get hijacked, and how to lower your risk
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.