These vehicles are the most targeted in hijackings in SA

The number of reported hijacking cases since the start of 2023 has slowed compared to a bleak year in 2022, hijackings are still on a high in South Africa, with a continued trend of kidnappings in some cases.

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RISING STATS OF CAR HIJACKINGS

The latest crime figures released in February 2023 by police Minister Bheki Cele, showed that the numbers don’t paint a positive picture for South Africa, as the country has seen crime levels increase nationwide.

Although Cele said that efforts are being done to change the situation, one clear area where the police appear to be losing the battle is with hijackings, which were up by a staggering 30% over 2022 from levels in 2019, and 15% when compared to 2021.

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According to the stats, 23,025 carjackings were reported by the end of 2022, representing an average of 63 vehicles per day.

Provincially, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal (KZN), and the Western Cape experienced the most incidences of hijackings.

The report showed that Gauteng experienced 11,626 carjackings in 2022, averaging 31.9 vehicles stolen daily.

KZN was in second with 3,757 cases reported, averaging 10.3 vehicles per day. The Western Cape reported 3,052 carjackings, averaging 8.4 cars hijacked per day.

TARGETED CAR BRANDS AND VEHICLES

According to Fidelity ADT’s latest statistics, Toyota models remain the most targeted cars in hijackings, accounting for 31.6% of the group’s incidences.

Toyota is followed by Volkswagen (VW) – accounting for 14.1% – and Ford, representing 10.4% of the group’s incidences.

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Bartmann noted that the following models are at high-risk for hijackings:

• VW Polo – accounting for 8.6% of reported thefts;
• Toyota Hilux (6.8%);
• Toyota Etios (4.8%);
• Ford ranger (4.9%);
• Toyota Fortuner (4.6%); and
• Nissan NP200 (4.2%)

Bartmann added that Toyota Prados and Toyota Landcruisers are also among the most popular models for hijackings. However, Hilux and Fortuner GD6 models are still preferred.

This article was originally published by CWENGA MAQHUBELA.