Beware of new hijacking trends

Everyone avoids talking about the terrifying subject of hijacking vehicles, but it must be addressed since it is vital that all South Africans are aware of the most recent methods that thieves use to steal their cars.

WHICH PROVINCES HAVE HIGHEST RATES OF THIS CRIME?

Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape are the regions with the highest rates of this type of crime, respectively.

According to IOL, Bobby Petkov, the Group CEO of Mit-Mak Motors said there are three new hijacking trends:

• Blockage method, hijackers will block you at a fast food place like a KFC or McDonald’s or one of these establishments where a car will block you from the front, as well as the back, as a target car, you’ll be recognized. As soon as they block you, it is clear that the area has been sealed off. Get out of the car, they’ll order as they point a gun at you. They’ll take your car and drive off since you can’t reverse because a car is in front of you, and you can’t move ahead because a car is in front of you.
• Tap-tap trap method, in order to softly bump you, they will drive behind you. They’ll then remark, “Oh man, I’m so sorry, can we stop and exchange insurance details?” Then they’ll suddenly seize the car and drive away.
• Good Samaritan method, they will stop you as you pass and say, “Excuse me, but your tires are flat. There’s something wrong with your tire, so maybe you should stop and have a look,” when a driver stops, that is when they are hijacked.

HOW MANY HIJACKING CASES WERE REPORTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2023?

In South Africa, there were 112 reported hijackings in the first quarter of 2023, down 10% from the same period in 2022, according to the most recent police crime statistics.