Four tips to help you not become a victim of vehicle crime

As SA’s lockdown restrictions are gradually lifted, criminal activity, including vehicle crime, is fast returning to pre-lockdown levels.

According to a preliminary police report and data from more than 1.1 million vehicles registered with vehicle tracking service provider Tracker, vehicle crime has seen a steep increase as restrictions are lifted.

As criminals return to their activities with the rest of the country, anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee has cautioned drivers to be particularly vigilant and prepared in case of an emergency.

“We are observing dramatic increases in hijackings and motor-vehicle theft. Criminal syndicates are at work We are also seeing more hijackers taking victims as hostages and forcing them to withdraw cash from ATMs before freeing them,” warned Abramjee.

“This is extremely concerning and it is bound to get worse. Our unemployment rates are soaring due to the effect that the lockdown has had on our economy and criminals are getting desperate.”

Abramjee advised South Africans to always be alert.

“Take the necessary safety precautions. Criminals are desperate, and motor vehicle theft and hijacking gangs are dangerous,” he said.

To avoid becoming a victim to crime on the roads, Abramjee together with the South African Tyre Manufacturers Conference (SATMC) recommend following these guidelines to protect yourself against vehicle crime:

1: Make sure your parked car is locked, and valuables are out of sight

It is important to know which security systems you have in your vehicle and how they can protect you. Most modern cars are fitted with alarms and motion sensors to detect and deter any forceful entry.

Remote signal jammers are used by criminals to prevent you from locking your car, allowing them easy access to your vehicle and belongings inside.

“Always check if your car is in fact locked. A car will not signal that it is locked if the signal has been jammed, but it doesn’t hurt to test the door handle and check,” said Darren Hayes-Powell, chairman of the SATMC.

“The physical key can be used to lock the car manually if it doesn’t lock, but this does not always activate the alarm,” he warns. It is best to hide any personal items of value out of sight and park in a well-lit area if secure parking is not available.

2: Avoid stopping next to the road due to tyre failure

Stopping next to the road can be dangerous. Criminals use various tactics to force drivers to stop on the side of the road before attacking and robbing them.

“In some areas, criminals throw objects from bridges or place sharpened objects on roads. My advice is to keep on driving to a safe spot, even if it means damaging your tyre and rim ... Your life is more important,” said Abramjee.

“Fortunately, modern run-flat tyres allow you to drive and stop safely after encountering an obstacle, pothole or edge-break,” said Hayes-Powell.

If your tyre suddenly fails and it is safe to do so, try to get to the nearest petrol station or town for help. If that is not possible and an emergency stop is required, pull over and exercise caution. Avoid exiting your car and call the police or roadside assistance for help.

3: Know how to change a tyre safely

Before embarking on a long trip, it’s best not only to inspect your car’s tyres but also to check your spare wheel’s tread and pressure. You never know when the need may arise to change a tyre on the side of the road, and you don’t want to be caught unawares.

“If you haven’t changed a tyre before, consider a training run. Familiarise yourself with the points underneath your car where the jack needs to be placed and inspect your gear thoroughly. Choose a dry day, a flat surface and practise changing your wheel when you have plenty of time,” said Hayes-Powell.

Always be aware of your surroundings, find a safe place to pull over and get as far off the road as possible. Do not try to change a wheel on soft, loose or uneven ground and avoid hills as your car may roll or collapse off the jack. Turn on your hazard lights, place your emergency triangle no less than 45m from your car to warn approaching vehicles, and do not step out onto the road.

4: Be alert and drive defensively to avoid hijackings

SA has one of the highest hijacking figures in the world — it is estimated that a motor vehicle is hijacked every 40 to 54 minutes.

Most hijackings occur when the victim arrives at home. To block an escape path, hijackers pull up behind the victim’s car as they get to their entrance gate.

Wait in the street for your gate to open before pulling up into your driveway, keep your vehicle doors locked at all times and roll up your windows, especially when coming to a stop at an intersection. Avoid isolated, unfamiliar or high-crime areas and when stopped in traffic, always allow some distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you so that you can quickly pull away if necessary.

“Be vigilant, drive safely and continue to have your vehicle well-maintained and roadworthy,” added Hayes-Powell.

“If every driver follows these simple guidelines, they can decrease their chances of becoming a victim.”