Hijackers target new vehicles at high-risk times: Are you at risk?

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Hijackers are now responsible for 56% of all vehicle-related crimes in South Africa, surpassing thefts, which make up 44%. This is according to the latest Tracker Vehicle Crime Indexfor July to December 2024.

The data, gathered from more than 1.1 million of the security company’s subscriptions, highlights a growing trend in hijackings, particularly targeting business-owned vehicles.

Business Vehicles Face Greater Risk

Business-owned vehicles are twice as likely to be hijacked as stolen nationwide, with Gauteng accounting for more than half of these incidents.

The risk intensifies in the Western Cape, where business vehicles are four times more likely to be hijacked than stolen, and in the Eastern Cape, where the likelihood soars to eight times.

According to Tracker, the high value of cargo and the convenience of intercepting delivery vehicles while in transit make them prime targets.

Criminals not only seize the vehicle but also gain access to the goods being transported and drivers’ personal belongings.

Regional Trends in Personal Vehicle Crime

While personal vehicles face an equal risk of hijacking and theft on a national scale, regional variations exist.

In Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal – two of the hardest-hit provinces – vehicle theft surpasses hijacking, accounting for 52% and 61% of incidents, respectively. However, in the Western Cape, personal vehicles are twice as likely to be hijacked as stolen, and in the Eastern Cape, they are four times more likely to be hijacked.

Business-owned vehicles are not only 33% more likely to be hijacked than personal vehicles but also face a 56% higher overall risk of vehicle crime.

Crime Hotspots and Timing

Hijackings peak on Fridays between 16:00 and 21:00, while vehicle theft is more prevalent on Saturdays during the same time frame.

According to CarTrack, hijackers often target busy roads with heavy traffic and easy escape routes, making you vulnerable when stuck in traffic. This risk increases during load shedding, as traffic volume rises and visibility drops, making it easier for criminals to strike.

Criminals can strike when vehicles are stopped, such as at truck stops, in residential driveways, or during deliveries.

EASY PICKINGS FOR EFFICIENT HIJACKERS

Duma Ngcobo, Tracker’s Chief Operating Officer, blames the increase in hijackings on how effortless it has become for criminals.

“Hijacking, while terrifying to the victim, can be a highly efficient crime for perpetrators, which has led to its rising occurrence. As vehicle owners become more aware of early warning tools and free tracking apps, it is becoming increasingly difficult for criminals to steal a vehicle without detection.

“A hijacking, however, allows criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents, without needing to override tracking technology,” he said.

Ngcobo urges businesses to adopt AI-powered fleet dashcams with facial recognition, 360-degree cameras, cargo door sensors, and emergency driver assist buttons to enhance security. He also recommends subscribing to rapid emergency armed response services to mitigate risks.

FIVE ways to protect yourself from hijackers

Hijackings are a serious threat, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk, according to CarTrack.

Stay alert in your driveway
Don’t park directly in your driveway—wait in the street until your gate opens. Ensure your driveway is well-lit, especially at night.

Survey the street
When approaching home, turn off the radio and scan the street for suspicious activity. If you feel uneasy or see unfamiliar people, drive around the block.

Check for followers
Be extra vigilant when leaving malls, work, or heading home late. Keep emergency contacts, like your security provider and SAPS, handy if you suspect you’re being followed.

Be cautious when parking
Look around before exiting your vehicle and avoid sitting inside without paying attention to your surroundings. Don’t sleep in your car to stay alert.

Stay aware entering your car
Have your keys ready, lock doors immediately, and keep windows closed. Store valuables in the boot, out of sight.

Stay alert on the road
Know your route and avoid high-crime areas. When stopping, leave enough space to escape if needed.

With hijackings on the rise, experts stress the importance of increased awareness and proactive security measures to safeguard against vehicle-related crime.