Hijacking remains a big concern for vehicle owners in South Africa, with around 60 vehicles being hijacked a day, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

It was generally assumed that the flashier the vehicle, the more attractive it was to hijackers, but that seems to be no longer the mindset of criminals.

Conformable IOL: “White and silver vehicles have traditionally been the biggest targets for hijacking, but there is a growing demand among criminals for vehicles in non-traditional colors such as yellow and orange, according to MotorHappy, a division of the retail giant Moved. While hijackers once avoided vehicles because of their visibility, there appears to have been a shift in criminal behavior in recent times.”

The key reason behind hijacking stems from lack of vigilance on the part of vehicle owners who let their guard down.

Fidelity Services Group head of marketing and communications, Charnel Hattingh, said victims don’t realize the role they play in falling prey to attackers.

“Victims of crime are often heard saying ‘they came out of nowhere,'” Hattingh said. “No, they didn’t. They were in that blue car you drove past when you pulled into the driveway, or the guy with the gun was standing on the sidewalk and you barely noticed him.” (Top Car)

She says “vigilance” is the “best defense” for motorists on South African roads.

In other words, hijacking is less about the car you’re driving. Instead, it’s more about being alert and aware of your surroundings.

Hattingh says these six things make you vulnerable to attackers or vehicle theft:

1. Being inattentive and preoccupied when shooting on the street and alley.
2. Enter the pit by pulling up to the gate and waiting for it to open.
3. Without noticing that you are being followed.
4. Following the same routine day after day.
5. Don’t check that your car is locked before you leave.
6. Not having vehicle protection devices fitted.

Courtesy of him Top Car.

Listen to Jacaranda FM:

Follow us on social media: