Durban - Fidelity SecureDrive’s internal database recording hijackings over the past year revealed that white or silver-grey Toyota Hiluxes and Volkswagen Polos were the most hijacked cars.
SecureDrive is part of the Fidelity Services Group.
It further revealed that Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal recorded the largest proportions of hijackings on record with December, January and the months between March-June being the highest risk times recorded during the year.
Most of the hijackings took place on Thursdays and Fridays between 6am-9am and 6pm-12am.
SecureDrive’s head of marketing and communications Charnel Hattingh said with most hijackings taking place close to home, knowing what to look out for and how to prevent falling prey to hijackers was a very relevant topic.
“Being aware of your surroundings and knowing how to respond if you find yourself in a hijacking situation is critical,” Hattingh said.
In the unfortunate event that you are hijacked, how do you give your car over in a non-threatening manner?
“The first and golden rule is to not antagonise the hijackers who are probably more scared than you are. You need to show them you are not a threat.
“Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender. Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral.”
Hattingh advised motorists not to turn off their cars but to get out slowly.
“Try and angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on. Also remember to protect your head with your arms and avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers but try to take in what they are wearing, the sound of their voices, and any other unique identifying features that could help police later. Most importantly try to remain calm,” Hattingh said.
Six SecureDrive safety hints and tips for drivers:
- If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home. If you are being followed, you will force the vehicle behind you to pass and this could cause the criminals to lose interest.
- If you need to stop in your driveway to manually open the gate, always leave the key in the ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car. Only then should you take the key with you as you open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – they want your car and you want your child.
- Always make sure you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you when you stop in the traffic. This gives you enough room to manoeuvre and escape.
- Don’t fall for the “tap tap” trap where a driver taps the back of your car in traffic. They often use women drivers as decoys. Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage but rather drive to a busy location. Signal to the other driver to follow you. If it is not legitimate they will seldom follow you.
- If you stay in a secure complex with security guards, do not be fooled into thinking you are safe. You can easily be followed into your complex so always remain vigilant. Research shows that most people relax the closer they get to home and this is often when they are most vulnerable.
- If you have a panic button or a mobile security app, have it on hand just in case. Ask your security company if they offer a safe arrival service, so that an armed response officer meets you at home to ensure you enter your property safely.
Daily News