Carjacking is big business in South Africa. This disturbing trend is fueled by greed and run by organised syndicates.
As with all things crime-related, a keen understanding of the motives and methods behind the crimes allows us to reduce our risk.
Modus Operandi used by the hijackers:
In the unfortunate event that you are the victim of a hijacking, this is what you need to do know:
Don’t fight back or argue.
74% of carjackings reported were committed with a weapon so you don’t want to antagonise anyone.
Stay calm.
Maintain eye contact and keep your voice level to diffuse the situation. Make it clear at every opportunity that you are not resisting the carjacker’s wishes and will not fight.
Discourage them from going into your house.
A carjacker may want to kidnap you and take you back to your house, where they can use your keys to gain entry to your home and take whatever they want — and do whatever they want to you in the process.
Fight if you have to.
The only time to fight is if the criminal wants to kidnap you as well. Nothing good would come from a kidnapping. Protect yourself and fight for your life.
Keep your doors locked and your windows up whenever you’re behind the wheel. Constantly being aware of your surroundings, instead of being aware of what’s on your phone!