Smashed car window hijack smash and grab
Photo Credit: On File

A rise in hijackings and other vehicle-related crimes during lockdown has meant South Africans need to be more vigilant when out on the roads.

 

South Africa (14 July 2020) – The South African Tyre Manufacturing Conference (SATMC) is concerned with the growing number of reports of vehicle-related crimes in South Africa. They teamed up with anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee to find ways to educate the public on remaining vigilant when on South Africa’s roads.

“We are observing dramatic increases in hijackings and motor-vehicle theft – criminal syndicates are at work,” says anti-crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee.

“We are also seeing more hijackers taking victims as hostages and forcing them to withdraw cash from ATMs before freeing them. This is extremely concerning and it is bound to get worse. Our unemployment rates are soaring due to the effect that the lockdown has had on our economy and criminals are getting desperate,” he adds.

Abramjee advises South Africans always to be alert.

“Take the necessary safety precautions. Criminals are desperate, and motor-vehicle-theft and hijacking gangs are dangerous,” he says.

To avoid becoming a victim to crime on the roads, Abramjee, together with the South African Tyre Manufacturing Conference (SATMC), recommends drivers follow these guidelines to protect themselves against vehicle crime:

Make sure your parked car is locked, and valuables are out of sight.

It is important to know which security systems you have in your vehicle and how they can protect you. Most modern cars are fitted with alarms and motion sensors to detect and deter any forceful entry. Remote signal jammers are used by criminals to prevent you from locking your car, allowing them quick and easy access to your vehicle and belongings inside.

“Always check if your car is, in fact, locked. A car will not signal that it is locked if the signal has been jammed, but it doesn’t hurt to test the door handle and check,” says Darren Hayes-Powell, Chairman of the SATMC. “The physical key can be used to lock the car manually if it doesn’t lock, but this does not always activate the alarm,” he warns.

It is best to hide any personal items of value out of sight and park in a well-lit area if secure parking is not available.

Avoid stopping next to the road due to tyre failure.

Stopping next to the road can be dangerous. Criminals use various tactics to force drivers to stop on the side of the road before attacking and robbing them.

“In some areas, criminals throw objects from bridges or place sharpened objects on roads. My advice is to keep on driving to a safe spot even if it means damaging your tyre and rim…your life is more important,” says Abramjee.

“Fortunately, modern run-flat tyres allow you to drive and stop safely after encountering an obstacle, pothole or edge-break,” explains Hayes-Powell.

If your tyre suddenly fails and it is safe to do so, try to get to the nearest petrol station or town for help. If that is not possible and an emergency stop is required, pull over and exercise caution. Avoid exiting your car and call the police or roadside assistance for help.

Know how to change a tyre safely.

Before embarking on a long trip, it’s best not only to inspect your car’s tyres but also to check your spare wheel’s tread and pressure. You never know when the need may arise to change a tyre on the side of the road, and you don’t want to be caught unawares.

“If you haven’t changed a tyre before, consider a training run. Familiarise yourself with the points underneath your car where the jack needs to be placed and inspect your gear thoroughly. Choose a dry day, a flat surface and practice changing your wheel when you have plenty of time,” says Hayes-Powell.

Always be aware of your surroundings, find a safe place to pull over and get as far off the road as possible. Do not try to change a wheel on soft, loose or uneven ground and avoid hills as your car may roll or collapse off the jack. Turn on your hazard lights, place your emergency triangle no less than 45 meters from your car to warn approaching vehicles, and do not step out onto the road.

Be alert and drive defensively to avoid hijackings.

South Africa has one of the highest hijacking figures in the world – it is estimated that a motor vehicle is hijacked every 40 to 54 minutes. Most hijackings occur when the victim arrives at home; to block an escape path, hijackers pull up behind the victim’s car as they get to their entrance gate. Wait in the street for your gate to open before pulling up into your driveway, keep your vehicle doors locked at all times and roll up your windows, especially when coming to a stop at an intersection. Avoid isolated, unfamiliar or high-crime areas and when stopped in traffic, always allow some distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you so that you can quickly pull away if necessary

“Be vigilant, drive safely and continue to have your vehicle well maintained and roadworthy. If every driver follows these simple guidelines, they can decrease their chances of becoming a victim,” Hayes-Powell concludes.

For more information on the SATMC and what they do, visit their website here or email here.


Sources: SATMC – Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens or share your good news with us by clicking here
Click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast, with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes that there’s good news all around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll hopefully leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *