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Vehicle hijackings in South Africa have evolved in recent years, reflecting changes in criminal tactics and targeted vehicles.
UPDATED HIJACKING STATISTICS IN SOUTH AFRICA:
Recent data indicates a significant rise in hijacking incidents:
ANNUAL INCIDENTS:
In the fiscal year 2023/2024, South Africa recorded 22,742 carjackings, an increase of 1,819 incidents from the previous year, marking the country's highest number of carjacking crimes over the observed period.
TEMPORAL PATTERNS:
While hijackings traditionally occurred during late afternoons and evenings, 2024 saw a marked increase in incidents occurring earlier in the day.
Criminals are capitalising on morning traffic and the routines of unsuspecting commuters who are often focused on reaching their destinations.
EMERGING TRENDS IN HIJACKERS' MODUS OPERANDI:
Criminals have adapted their strategies to exploit new opportunities:
TARGETING DELIVERY VEHICLES:
With the growth of e-commerce, hijackings of last-mile delivery trucks and vans have surged, significantly raising security costs for companies.
Delivery firms are now heavily investing in security, including hiring vehicle escorts, drastically affecting their profit margins.
SHIFTING TARGET VEHICLES:
Hijackers have expanded their focus beyond luxury vehicles.
In 2024, there was a notable increase in the targeting of delivery vehicles, reflecting the rise in e-commerce and the valuable goods they transport.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND BEHAVIOURAL STRATEGIES:
Avoid distractions, Stay off your phone and be alert, especially when stopping at intersections or driveways.
Check for suspicious vehicles and take a few detours if a car has been following you for a long time. If they continue following, drive to the nearest police station or crowded area.
Use the "reverse park" technique when arriving at home or a destination, and reverse park for you to drive away quickly in an emergency.
SAFE ROUTE PLANNING AND DRIVING HABITS:
Vary Your Routes: Criminals often study victims' routines. Therefore, you need to vary your routes and avoid predictable schedules.
Staying in the middle lane prevents hijackers from quickly boxing you in at traffic lights.
Keep a safe distance at stop streets and traffic lights. Stop far enough behind the car in front so you have an escape route if needed.
SECURITY AND VEHICLE PROTECTION MEASURES:
Install smash-and-grab film on windows, which will prevent easy access by hijackers trying to break a window.
Use anti-hijacking mode on vehicles. Many newer cars have anti-hijack settings that can be enabled through the car's onboard security system.
Always keep car doors locked and windows up, even when driving in "safe" areas.
Use a tracking device. Many cars are recovered faster if they have active tracking systems like Tracker, Cartrack, or Netstar.
PREVENTING DRIVEWAY HIJACKINGS:
Wait and scan the area before entering your driveway. Do not turn into your driveway if a suspicious vehicle is behind you.
Use an automatic gate remote. A fast-opening automatic gate can help reduce the time you are vulnerable.
Have someone open the gate for you. If possible, arrange for a family member or security guard to be present when you arrive home.
Reverse park inside the garage. Always drive forward when exiting your home to minimise the time spent stationary.
HIJACKING SURVIVAL STRATEGY IF ATTACKED:
Remain calm and do not resist—most hijackers just want the car. Resistance can escalate violence.
Exit the car slowly with your hands visible, showing the hijackers that you are not a threat.
Do not make sudden movements, as the hijackers are often nervous and may react aggressively if startled.
Tell the hijackers if a child is inside the vehicle; in many cases, they may allow you to remove the child before taking the car.
Move away from the vehicle once out, move to safety and call for help.
SMART TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL PROTECTION:
Panic button devices. Carry a GPS panic button from a security company linked to armed response.
A visible dashcam can deter criminals and provide footage for law enforcement.
Car immobilisers and kill switches are hidden switches that can prevent the car from starting if hijackers fail to locate them.
Emergency apps used by some security companies are mobile apps that can alert responders to your location in an emergency.
CORPORATE AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SAFETY MEASURES:
Companies should install real-time tracking and geofencing for delivery vehicles.
Some logistics companies use security convoys for high-risk deliveries.
If using Uber/Bolt, always check the driver's profile before entering the car and share your trip with a trusted contact.
Vehicle hijackings in South Africa have adapted to societal changes, with criminals targeting a broader range of vehicles and adjusting their tactics. By staying informed about these trends and implementing proactive security measures, individuals and businesses can better protect themselves against this persistent threat.
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