Don’t let thieves hijack your Christmas

THE Christmas holidays are a prime time for thieves and hijackers to strike.

Many motorists are in a relaxed frame of mind and some let their guard down then.

Law enforcement and anti-crime organisations have issued warnings to alert the public to be on the look-out.

In Port Elizabeth, police say some of the hotspots include Harrower and Kempston roads; Larch Avenue/Durban Road/Kempston Road; Diaz Road/Burt Drive/CJ Langenhoven/Kempston Road; RussellRoad/Govan Mbeki and also the Strand Street area.

Also be especially vigilant in shopping mall parking areas and all other areas where your attention can be distracted.

The National Hijack Prevention Academy has warned that vehicle hijacking is an organised business, run according to business principles and based on thorough planning.

Hijackings have increased dramatically this past year due to the fact that it has become increasingly difficult to steal vehicles, with anti-theft devices.

According to the SAPS, 40 cars are hijacked every day in South Africa (up from 35 last year).

Netstar Tracking has issued the following guidelines on how to avoid hijackings:

ý Be vigilant when pulling out of your driveway or coming home – 68% of all hijackings occur close to home;

ý If you suspect you are being followed, slow down two to three houses prior to your home to force the vehicle you to pass;

ý If you have an electric gate, do not pull into your driveway before opening the gate. Rather open your gate while your car is still on the road to allow a quick getaway;

ý If you do not have an electric gate and your child is in the car, take the ignition key with you as you stop to open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – the criminals want your car and you want your child;

ý Don’t fall for the “tap tap” trap where the driver of another vehicle gently drives into the back of your car in traffic. Never get out of your car 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.

What to do if you are hijacked

Lift your arms to show you have no weapon;

Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral;

Do not turn off your car;

If you are hijacked while your children are in the car, tell the hijackers calmly you need to take your children out. (Remember the eldest child should be seated behind the driver and the younger child to the left).

Place one foot firmly in the car, on the floor behind the driver’s seat, as you lean across to retrieve the youngest child. The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can get both children out.

Stay calm. If the hijackers panic and the vehicle starts moving before you have your children out of the car, your firm footing will throw your body weight into the car with your children, as opposed to you being left behind and the hijackers speeding off with your children.

Do not turn your back on the hijackers – your organs are most exposed from the back.

Avoid direct eye contact.