Not paying attention makes you an easy target for hijackers
Hijackers observe their victims and pounce when their targets let their guards down...
Hijacking remains a high concern for vehicle owners in South Africa, with around 60 vehicles being hijacked a day, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Generally, it was assumed that the flashier the vehicle, the more appealing it was to hijackers, but it seems that is no longer the mindset among criminals.
According to IOL: "White and silver vehicles were traditionally the biggest hijack targets, but there is a growing demand among criminals for vehicles in non-traditional colours such as yellow and orange, according to MotorHappy, a division of retail giant Motus. While hijackers once avoided these vehicles due to their visibility, there has reportedly been a shift in criminal behaviour in recent times."
The key reason behind hijacking stems from the lack of vigilance from vehicle owners who let their guards down.
The head of marketing and communications at the Fidelity Services Group, Charnel Hattingh, shared that victims don't realise the role they play in falling prey to hijackers.
“Victims of crime are often heard saying ‘they came out of nowhere’,” said Hattingh. "No, they didn’t. They were in that blue car you drove past as you pulled into your driveway, or the guy with the gun was sitting on the sidewalk and you barely noticed him.” (Top Auto)
She says that "vigilance" is the "best defence" for drivers travelling on South African roads.
In other words, hijacking is less about the car you drive anymore. Instead, it is more about being alert and aware of your surroundings.
Hattingh says these six things make you vulnerable to hijackers or vehicle theft:
- Being unobservant and preoccupied when pulling into your street and driveway.
- Boxing yourself in by pulling up right to the gate and waiting for it to open.
- Not noticing you are being followed.
- Following the same routine day in and day out.
- Not checking your car is actually locked before walking away.
- Not having any vehicle protection devices fitted.
Courtesy of Top Auto.
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