Top Ten Most Hijacked Passenger Vehicle Brands


By Joburg Post

Ctrack, a global supplier of vehicle tracking, insurance telematics and fleet management solutions, released a report based on its hijacking and crime statistics. The report was compiled using data and analytics from January 2016 to December 2016 and listed, in order, which vehicle makes are targeted by criminals in South Africa. 

  • VW
  • Toyota
  • Ford
  • Citroen
  • Kia
  • Hyundai
  • BMW
  • Audi
  • Renault
  • Chevrolet


The following charts, showing the most hijacked cars in South Africa, are based on Ctrack’s report data:



There are a number of ways hijackers can target you, even if your car isn’t a high risk vehicle. Executive head of Dial Direct, Warwick Scott-Rodger, says the top five vehicle hijacking trends in South Africa right now are:


1. Vehicles hijacked at fuel stations


Drivers filling up with fuel at fuel stations are often targeted by hijackers. . They approach the driver from his or her blindspot and force them out of the vehicle. It’s difficult for petrol attendants to intervene as many hijackers are armed.


2. The dangers of strangers


Vehicle owners can be approached at social spots by strangers who befriend them, later spike their drinks, and then steal their keys and make off with their vehicle.


3. Fake blue lights


Hijackers pose as traffic officers or police officials and get vehicle owners to pull over. They often drive in unmarked vehicles and once drivers pull over, they are overpowered and their vehicles are hijacked.


4. Hijacked at home


Vehicle owners are overpowered in their homes and vehicles are taken along with other possessions.


5. Vehicles hijacked after driver is followed home


Hijackers follow vehicles home, box owners in their driveway, and then hijack them. Hijackers often wait for the owner to enter the property and then block the security gate from closing.


Whilst you can’t (with certainty) prevent crime, there are several steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim. BusinessTech provided this seating plan from The National Hijack Prevention Academy that will help keep your kids safe during a hijacking.


Fidelity ADT Communications Manager, Chanel Hattingh, recommended that the eldest child should be seated behind the driver and the youngest to the left as it would be easier to get them both out the car in the event of a hijacking. She said.


“If you are hijacked and need to get out of the car, you can move quickly from the driver’s door to the door directly behind it. You can reach across the eldest child to unstrap the younger child. The eldest child can cling to you as you remove them both together,”


THE FOLLOWING STEPS COULD HELP SAVE YOUR LIFE IN A HIJACK SITUATION:


  • Remain calm and non-confrontational.
  • Be compliant and do as the hijackers say.
  • Hand over your car keys without hesitation.
  • Appeal to their humanity and ask them to let you go.
  • Although it’s difficult, try to absorb as much detail as possible (e.g. the age, facial features and physical build of the hijackers).
  • Get as far away from the hijackers as possible before calling for help.
  • Report the incident to your local police station and vehicle tracking company.
  • Seek trauma counselling to help you recover from the ordeal.


Stay Alert

-JP

Article Tags

Crime

South Africa

Wheels

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