The shocking and untimely death of reggae star Lucky Dube in a botched hijacking incident in October has once again highlighted this type of crime is on the increase.
In fact, the South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics for 2006/2007 indicate a 6% increase in hijackings. In addition, the report shows a close association between hijackings and house robberies.
Chubb Security has the following advice for the general public so as not to become the next victim of this terrible crime that can often have a deadly outcome:
* Install adequate lighting and make sure outside lights can be remotely controlled from inside the premises and via the burglar alarm system.
* Consider installing demand lighting, which is activated by a motion detector.
* Cut down bushes in and around the entrance to your home or business - these act as good hiding places for would-be criminals.
* Increase your view - try not to have high walls and tall hedges that obscure your view of your property.
* It is preferable to have automatic gates installed so that you do not have to leave the safety of your vehicle in order to access your premises.
* Installation of CCTV at one's home or business is a very effective way of deterring would-be hijackers from targeting your property as they know that their actions will be monitored and recorded.
* Programme all emergency telephone numbers into your cellphone system eg, your security company, South African Police Service (SAPS), ambulance, fire department etc.
* Be aware that wearing expensive jewellery and sunglasses and having attractive items visible on the car seats and the dashboard may prompt criminals to follow you to your destination.
* If you feel you are being followed, do not proceed home, instead drive to the nearest police station.
* Never drive with your handbag visible in the car - as this is another invitation to be followed to your destination, as well as for loiterers at traffic lights to smash and grab your belongings.
* Do not drive while talking on your cellphone - not only is this illegal but it also distracts you and will distract you from realising that you are being followed. In addition it is also an invitation for criminals to smash your window and grab your phone.
* Always drive with your car doors locked.
The following tips should be applied when travelling on holiday:
* Plan your route so that you avoid lonely and predictably unsavoury or dangerous areas.
* If you are unsure of your destination and route, spend time planning it from a road map before you depart.
* Inform someone where you are going, of your anticipated time of arrival, time of return and contact procedures. If travelling in darkness, indicate the route you will be taking.
* Do not stop to help anyone on the road, especially if you are alone. Instead, go to the nearest safe telephone and call the police for assistance.
* Be aware that SOS telephones on lonely stretches of road are not usually safe telephones because criminals could lie in wait for desperate users.
* Do not stop if another motorist indicates to you that your vehicle has a fault. Instead, go to the nearest service station or police station to investigate. An alternative would be to stop next to a traffic officer or police vehicle and ask for assistance.
* Do not stop for another car even if it has flashing lights. Travel to the nearest police station or illuminated service station and stop there.
Becoming a hijack victim while on holiday will not only spoil your holiday, but will also prove to be a nuisance when it comes to having to report the incident to the local police station. So be sure not to leave the following in your car:
* The vehicle's registration papers.
* Any documents giving your name and address or those of your family.
* Family photographs.
* Firearms.
* Vehicle and house keys.
* Cheque books and credit cards.
* Cellphones.
* Compact discs.
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