Vehicle crime reduces across South Africa

13% decrease in vehicle crime, Hijacking 5%

Tracker has made a note that between July and December 2020 there has been a national decrease of 13% of vehicle crime compared to the same period in 2019.

More than 1.1-million installed vehicle-based statistics indicated a total decrease of 21%, while hijacking reduced by 5%.

Tracker data has indicated that most hijackings are reported between Wednesday to Friday between the hours of 4pm and 8pm. Vehicle theft is mainly reported between Wednesday to Saturday, between the hours of 11am and 3pm.

The motive of hijackings are vehicles with loads such as consumable goods and transit vehicles carrying large amounts of cash.

Gauteng reports the most vehicle crime, with hijacking prevalent in Johannesburg and theft mainly occurring in Pretoria. They are followed by KwaZulu-Natal with Durban in the top spot for both hijacking and theft, and the Western Cape with hijackings mainly occurring in Mitchells Plain and vehicle theft in Cape Town.

Further hijacking hotspots include eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, Motherwell in the Eastern Cape, Rustenburg in the North West, Dennilton in Limpopo and Bloemfontein in the Free State.

Further theft hotspots include eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Rustenburg in the North West, Polokwane in Limpopo, Bloemfontein in the Free State and Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

Tracker’s efforts to combat vehicle crime resulted in 2949 vehicle recoveries, 397 arrests and 13 firearms. Tracker urges the public to be more vigilant at all times.

“The decrease in vehicle crime could be attributed to fewer vehicles on the road compared to the previous year, as South Africans continue to restrict their movements to help prevent the spread of Covid-19,” said Ron Knott-Craig, Executive of Operational Services at Tracker South Africa. “However, it is important that we don’t become complacent. While driving, be vigilant about your surroundings. Be alert and on the lookout for suspicious persons or vehicles. Avoid distractions such as talking on your mobile phone. Also, always try to park your vehicle in a properly secured parking area, and make sure the doors are properly locked before leaving it.”

Picture: Women On Wheels gallery