Prevention tips and advice

MOTORISTS are more likely to be victims of hijacking between 4am and 8am, as well as 4pm and 6pm, according to a report by the National Hijack Prevention Academy (NPA). This is due to motorists leaving to and returning from work.

Here are some steps to consider:

2km from your house strategy". Be extra alert. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings.

Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse while waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.

Check your driveway and street before you enter or leave your home premises.

Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear of shrubbery where perpetrators may hide.

Be aware of pedestrians close to your residential address. If observed, do not turn into your driveway. Rather drive past and go back later.

Liaise with your neighbours and know them.

Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.

Be alert if your pets do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators overpowered them.

Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe before opening and closing the gate for you.

When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with an armed response company if they render a rendezvous service.

If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, make sure nobody suspicious is around and the road is clear. Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door (don’t create temptation). Open the gate, drive in and close the gate behind you immediately.

If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You may need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.

If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all away from the vehicle should an attack occur.

If approached by a stranger while in your vehicle, drive off if possible or use your hooter to attract attention.

Lock your doors, close your windows and do not have bags or briefcases visible in the vehicle – use the boot. Keep cellphones out of sight.

There are times and days that these items are visible in the vehicle. Try and open the window they might “smash and grab” about 3cm so the window can absorb the sudden impact. If you have left adequate following distance, you may be able to escape.

Constantly remain vigilant for suspicious looking people or vehicles and report them to the SAPS.

Remain alert for potential danger and be on the lookout for possible escape routes, and safe refuge, along the way.

When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you reach it as it turns green.

Do not engage with people standing at traffic lights or places where they are gathered (job seekers or otherwise). Perpetrators are usually standing among these people.

Make sure you are not followed. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or any busy public area.