WATCH: Unlucky residents start 2017 with armed robbery outside their house

A man was followed home from the airport by four armed robbers who met him in his drive way, ransacked the vehicle and stole various items from the driver and passengers.

According to the driver’s wife, who posted the video to Youtube, her husband had picked up his family from the airport and the incident happened at 07:15 am on Sunday Morning (8 January 2017).

“They were driving a silver Hyundai accent 2016 model number plate FG11XV GP,” says Clare Gopaul.

Please take not of the following hijacking and armed robbery prevention tips, brought to you by the AA:

• Always stay alert and be aware of everything going on around you
• Keep the doors locked at all times
• Always plan your route in advance and try avoid traveling in unfamiliar areas
• When coming to a stop at an intersection, always leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you so you have room to manoeuvre
• Keep bags and other valuable items in the boot and out of sight
• If possible, try avoid from driving alone, especially late at night or early in the morning when it is still dark
• Make sure your car is well maintained and in good working order to prevent you from breaking down
• Ensure that your driveway is well lit and there are no overgrown bushes or trees nearby where criminals could easily hide
• Be aware of any suspicious vehicles or people lurking in your street whenever you leave or come home
• If your property has an electric gate, wait until the gate is open before pulling into the driveway
• Check to make sure you aren’t being followed
• If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station.

Also read: Do you have a hijacking action plan?

What to do if you are caught in an armed robbery

• Try to remain as calm as possible throughout the incident
• Don’t make eye contact with any of the attackers
• Don’t antagonise or argue with the attackers
• Refrain from making any sudden movements and keep your hands where the attackers can see them
• Contact the police as soon as you are able to and try to provide them with as much information as possible (model, colour and registration of vehicle and any specific details about the hijackers)
• Remember that you and your family are more valuable than anything else. Your vehicle and other possessions can be replaced but not your life.

Source: The Automobile Association (AA) and Youtube