Tips on how to avoid a hijacking and what to do if you are!
Unfortunately, living in South Africa does have some drawbacks. Criminal activity and in particular hijackings occur on a daily basis.
According to the 2013/2014 ISS crime statistics’ fact sheet (collected by SAPS), vehicle hijacking increased by 12.3% from the previous year. The national total rising to 11,221 reported cases, an average of 31 incidents of hijacking occurring each day.
While in some situations it may simply be a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, many incidents can be avoided. The key is being aware of your surroundings, especially when you come to a stop.
Here are the most important things to remember in order to avoid a potential hijacking:
Be wary of anyone following you!
If you’re driving in a quiet neighbourhood, or pulling into your driveway (particularly at night), check to see if there are any suspicious looking vehicles behind you. If there are – instead of pulling into your driveway, rather do a lap around the block. If they’re still following you or have stopped nearby, rather just keep driving and go to your nearest police station. As soon as you stop moving you become vulnerable.
Be careful when coming to a stop and be ready to react!
If you’re in a quiet neighbourhood, be very wary whenever coming to a stop. If you’re at an intersection or four-way stop and you notice anything suspicious or anyone approaching your vehicle – be ready to pull off, or even reverse if you have to. As long as you’re moving, they won’t be able to engage you.
Don’t stop to remove any objects in the road!
If you notice any objects in the road (again, particularly at night), do NOT get out of your car to remove the object from the road. You may feel like it’s the courteous thing to do, but it’s quite likely that this is a trap set by would-be hijackers. Drive around the object and keep driving, if the road is approaching a cul-de-sac or dead-end – reverse and go back in the direction you came. You should then notify the police. Even if you hit the object and fear damage to your vehicle, rather just keep driving and check the damages at home or somewhere safe.
If you do find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are some things to remember:
- Do whatever they ask, your possessions or vehicle aren’t as important as your own safety.
- Try remain calm (easier said than done!) and especially do not lose your temper or make any threats or aggressive gestures.
- Don’t make any sudden movements, especially leaning over with your right hand to undo your seatbelt. This could be mistaken for reaching for a weapon. Make sure your hand movements are slow and steady and clearly visible to them.
- Avoid eye contact if possible, it may cause them to feel threatened. They may also fear that you have seen their face or have noticed something about them that will provide a way to identify them.
If you have children, it’s probably a good idea to explain what they should do if you ever find yourself in this situation.
While it’s certainly unpleasant that we live in a country where this is a reality, it’s far better that they are prepared and know what to do.
Getting them out of the vehicle is the top priority – make sure that they have exited the car before you do! If your child isn’t old enough to get out of the car alone, lean over and pick them up and then exit the vehicle together.