WATCH: Criminals using new spiking technique on roads
Video footage warning motorists of a new spiking technique has been shared on social media.
Spiking has become an increasingly big problem on South African roads in recent years.
Road spiking involves criminals placing "spikes", usually made of nails, wood, or even big stones, on roads.
They then disguise these spikes on the road to look like plastic bags or clothing and wait for unsuspecting motorists to drive over them.
READ: Hijacking expert: Three ways to prevent being hijacked
Naturally, the driver would think the object is harmless, but once they drive over it, the spikes would damage their tyres, prompting them to stop their vehicle.
Once motorists swerve off the road, this is usually when criminals take the opportunity to hijack or rob the unsuspecting drivers.
Crime expert and activist Yusuf Ambramjee recently shared a video on social media platform X warning motorists of a possible new method of spiking.
The video shows a car stopping before driving over a bottle of cooldrink.
During the demonstration, a man then picks up the bottle and pours out the cooldrink, only to reveal that the bottle was also filled with nails.
Watch here:
New MO: #Spikes #CrimeWatch pic.twitter.com/CvVP9pZrTa
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 1, 2024
Earlier in 2024, Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Richard Brussow, founder of the National Hijacking Prevention Academy, about preventing hijackings and spiking.
How to prevent a potential hijacking
Stop in the road, far away from your gate, wait for the gate to open, and only then drive into your driveway.
READ: Cilliers Brink could once again be the mayor of Tshwane
When you stop at a robot or street, stop further away from the car in front of you to ensure a clear escape route.
More here:
The issue with spiking is that victims get scared and usually pull their steering wheel, which could worsen the situation.
Although spiking is an extremely difficult situation, Brussow said that people should try to remain calm and follow these tips:
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Image: X/ Screenshot