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:

• Most hijackings take place in the driveways of residential areas.  These hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape routes.
• Hijackings take place while stationed at any traffic sign or intersection.
• Hijackings take place while stationary next to the road, e.g. to answer cell phone.
• Hijackings also occur at post offices and parking areas or you may be followed leaving the filling station with the objective to hijack your vehicle where it is quiet.
• The hijackers sometimes use a vehicle to force the victim off the road.
• Hijackings take place at schools when dropping off / picking up children.
• Hijackings take place while the vehicle is idling when off-loading / loading passengers.
• Hijackings take place when advertising your vehicle for sale (Test drive method).
• Bogus Police or Traffic Officers also conduct hijackings (Blue light scenario).

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.