Page 6 - FWG Issue 2 March 2025

Security

ANTI-HIJACKING

TIPS

Hijacking is a very real and dangerous possibility
in South Africa – it is no longer limited to specific
areas or times of the day. hijack prevention course, as it teaches you how to prepare
yourself and your children if you ever face the situation. The
critical point to remember is that they’re after the car. If you
stay calm, you and your children stand a much better chance
of getting away without injury, as most hijackers simply want
to get away with the vehicle as soon as possible. It’s good
advice to run your kids through a few scenarios so that they
know to stay calm and follow your instructions.

5. Give them the car – This may sound controversial, but our
first instinct when someone tries to take away a car that
probably cost a small fortune is to argue or resist. But it’s not
worth it. If you ever find yourself in this situation, surrender
your vehicle and keys immediately and then try to distance
Photo by Max Kleinen on Unsplash agitate them in any way, but gradually back away from the
yourself and the vehicle as much as possible. Don’t run or

car, making it clear they’re free to go. If they have to choose
between going after the vehicle or you, they will choose the
vehicle; it’s what they came for.

6. Don’t stop for obstacles in the road – Many hijackers
employ a tried-and-true trick: littering deserted roads with
otorists must be extra vigilant. No matter their age or brick, rocks or other obstacles. If you hit one of these, don’t
the vehicle they drive, they need to remain alert and stop if your car is still in driving condition. Make your way
Mmindful of their surroundings. to a safe and populated area before checking your vehicle.
Many people also get caught out doing the ‘right thing’ by
1. Stay alert – It’s starting to sound like a cliché, but the worst stopping to remove these dangerous objects from the road.
thing any driver can do is let themselves be distracted while
driving. Take note of vehicles around and behind you – 7. Take it slow – If you’re driving late at night or along quiet
hijackers often follow their victims – so you want to be able roads, avoid standing still at red lights, as this is the perfect
to pick up if a vehicle is following you. If you’re unsure, do not opportunity for hijackers to attack. The best solution is to
stop, but rather drive to the nearest public place or a police start slowing down long before you reach the traffic lights,
station. giving them a chance to turn green before you must come to
a complete standstill. Naturally, you need to be very aware of
2. Install a panic button – Many anti-theft and vehicle tracking your surroundings.
systems come with a panic button (or even an automatic
alert) that immediately notifies relevant parties that you’re in 8. Avoid temptation – It might add a few seconds of hassle
trouble. It’s well worth it – if you are ever faced with a hijack to your day but keep valuables out of sight. Many hijackings
situation, you want to ensure help is called in as soon as are crimes of opportunity, meaning they’re unplanned, and
possible. criminals pick their victims seemingly at random. Having
valuable items such as handbags, jewellery and cell phones
3. Know when you’re most at risk – Most of us have the idea immediately visible will make you a much more tempting
that hijackings happen ‘out there’ – when in fact, you are target.
most at risk near your home or workplace. Criminals know this
is where people feel safe and tend to be less on guard and, 9. Mind the gap – Hijackings occur everywhere, even in the
therefore, easier targets. middle of traffic during the day. When you stop behind a car
at a traffic light, leave room for escape. Hijackers often use
4. Train your kids – One of the most terrifying situations anyone traffic as an opportunity because they know you’re boxed in.
can face is a hijack situation with their children in the car. If By leaving space behind the car in front of you, you at least
you have young children, the best advice is to do a reputable have some wiggle room to escape.

Fourways Gardens • 4 • March 2025