Most people have either been victims of hijackings themselves, or know someone close to them who has. In fact, it is rare to meet someone who has not been affected by this crime in some way.
In most instances the hijacker or ‘smash-and-grabber’ is just a robber who wants your car or your belongings and will do whatever it takes to get them. But sometimes the motive may be more sinister and this could result in some serious injury and trauma to the innocent motorist.
You do not need to be a sitting duck – there are some simple things you can do right now to reduce your risk of becoming the next hijacking victim.
Tips to help you avoid hijackings:
- Always check that you are not being followed home from shopping malls, the work place, late night socialising, etc.
- Always have the following numbers handy and don’t hesitate to use them if you suspect that you are being followed: your security provider, the SAPS, your neighbours.
- Always check for unusual activities around your home or work place, especially after late meetings. Signs to note are, for example, persons pretending to be searching for something, or whose vehicle has broken down.
- Look for any visible marks or signs that were not there when you parked your vehicle earlier, for example, sellotape on a rear light.
- Remove all your valuables from your vehicle seats and keep them in the boot.
- If there are people hanging around the entrance to your property, drive past and make a U-turn so that you can observe what they are doing.
- In the event that you are hijacked, don’t look the hijackers in the eyes as they will take it that you are attempting to remember details that will help to identify them later.
- However, do try by all discrete means to notice as many details about your hijackers as possible: listen to their conversation, try to recognise the language they speak, and memorise their heights, methods of dress and accessories like beading, headgear, etc.
- Always obey the hijackers’ instructions which might assist in preventing you from being harmed.
If you are not sure how to take a pro-active approach in protecting yourself from criminals, please contact us straight away and we will be happy to share some additional tips with you.