WHEN the latest crime stats were released in September 2016, the news was not encouraging.
Most crime categories saw increases, yet the hijacking of cars saw the greatest increase.
Hijackings increased by 14.3%, an almost seven times greater increase than any other category.
This means approximately 40 cars are hijacked every day.
In the face of these figures, it might be time to recap on what to do to avoid being hijacked and how to react if you are.
Avoid
While the majority of hijackings do occur outside your home, it is important to remember this is not the only place.
A large percentage of hijackings occur at intersections, which is why drivers should be as aware at intersections as they are when arriving home.
According to the MD of Master Drive, Eugene Herbert, many drivers are caught unaware.
‘Keep an eye on people at intersections.
‘Be careful of people who might be trying to distract you.
‘Never disregard someone because they are well dressed.
‘Most hijackers are the well-dressed, inconspicuous people possibly reading newspapers at the corner.’
Reaction
If you are approached by a hijacker, keep your hands visible at all times.
Herbert also recommends knowing what to do in a hijacking situation before it happens, especially if you have children.
‘Decide on a key word which will galvanise your children into action.
‘Their objective should be to get to the driver as quickly as possible.
‘Older children should help younger children to the front and they should safely follow the adult out the same door.
‘Vacating the driver’s seat to unbuckle children from the back leaves too great an opportunity for the hijacker to slip into that seat and drive off before your children are safely out,’ says Herbert.
The most important tip is to do what the hijacker tells you.
Your life is not worth the price of your car.
The main thing is that all you want is for the hijacker to be gone as quickly as possible.
Every reaction you have during a hijacking should be with the aim of ending the interaction as soon as possible.
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