GPS tracking technology has made massive strides in the industry and having them installed on your vehicle has become something of a given. These vehicle tracking devices are especially helpful where businesses are managing a fleet of vehicles that their business depends on. But what few companies realise is that there are fantastic additional reasons to have them installed in a fleet, besides the obvious of having the vehicle recovered if it is stolen.

In this article, we explore some of the other money and time-saving factors that your tracking device can offer you and how these features can benefit your company as a whole. Here are our top seven picks of reasons to install tracking units in your fleet.

1. Know where your vehicles are at all times.

With a user interface that you can log onto from anywhere you might find yourself, you will be able to view and track every vehicle at the times of your choosing. Real-time tracking will give you the opportunity to actually see the vehicle move on the map, where past movements will be logged and saved for your perusal at any other date.

2. Be up to date with trends.

Some vehicle tracking companies will keep their clients up to date with all developing trends like hijacking hotspots and areas you should avoid for the safety of your cargo and drivers.

3. Track your mileage.

Having your trips logged and converted into manageable data allows you to use accurate costs when it comes to doing your tax returns or mileage claims.

4. Monitor and correct driving behaviours.

Tracking units not only track the whereabouts of the vehicle but also its speeds. Transgressions, like harsh braking and speeding, are red-flagged to allow the owner or manager of the business to correct the driver’s behaviours in a bid to protect their investment as well as the other users on the road.

5. Earn discounted rates from your insurer.

Most insurance agencies offer a discount on their fees when tracking units are installed as the chance of total loss due to hijacking, or otherwise, becomes less. This will apply if an active tracking device is not a compulsory requirement on your policy.

6. Create ‘no-go’ areas.

You can indicate the areas that you do not want the vehicles to travel in and you will receive immediate notification in case a vehicle enters one of your blocked off areas.

7. Have SAPS support when recovery is needed.

In the event that a vehicle is stolen, your vehicle tracking agency can work in conjunction with the South African Police Service to recover your property, even if it crosses our borders.

Given the rate of reported hijackings and vehicle theft, having tracking devices installed into your fleet should be something you should seriously consider. With many other user-friendly applications and interfaces, it efficiently help you to hone your business’ productivity so that you may focus more on other aspects of your business, instead of worrying about the whereabouts and safety of your fleet and cargo.

TrackNetics makes use of telematics information to trace all our clients’ vehicles. The team at TrackNetics believe that there is a great demand for vehicle tracking, especially with the current number of reported stolen vehicles nationally. TrackNetics has worked towards establishing a business that is reliable, innovative and that is driven to give each of our clients the best personal service we have to offer and to create custom solutions for their vehicle tracking based on their needs. Contact TrackNetics today for a quote or if you have any questions, we are looking forward to hearing from you.

Definition: Vehicle hijacking is a form of robbery with aggravating circumstances, it can be defined as the unlawful, intentional and violent removal and appropriation of movable corporeal property belonging to another. The victim’s resistance has to be overcome and the property obtained by the use of violence against the victim’s person. (National Hijacking Prevention Academy 2012)

When Are Hijackings Most Common?

Hijackings occur every day of the week, reaching a high on Fridays, due to motorists being more relaxed and traffic increasing earlier on a Friday.

A drastic increase occurs from 16h00 in the afternoon as motorists head home or out. Vehicles hijacked during peak hours of 16h00 – 20h00 may be explained by the fact that people returning home from work are often tired, frustrated, or also relaxed and in jovial moods and not alert to potentially threatening circumstances.

Where Are Hijackings Most Common?

1. In the driveways of residential areas. Hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape routes.
2. While vehicles are stationary at any traffic sign or intersection.
3. While stationary at the side of the road, e.g. to answer cell phone.
4. At post offices and in parking areas, or you may be followed leaving a filling station, with the objective to hijack your vehicle where it is quiet.
5. The hijackers sometimes force a victim off the road by means of a vehicle.
6. At schools when dropping off / picking up children.
7. When a vehicle is idling while off-loading / loading passengers.
8. When advertising your vehicle for sale (test drive ploy).
9. Bogus Police or Traffic Officers also conduct hijackings (Blue light scenario).

Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal reported the highest incidence of vehicle hijacking. The circulation of illegal firearms in South Africa is disturbing and has to have a direct influence on the increase of vehicle hijackings and violent crime in general in South Africa.

Types of hijackings

Freight Hijacking – A commercial vehicle is hijacked not only to secure the vehicle but also its cargo, which can be of substantial value. Frequently, the cargo is of more interest to the hijacker than the truck. Transport Hijacking – The vehicle is taken for the express purpose of using it as transport during other crimes such as drug dealing, burglaries, bank robberies and gun running. The vehicles are probably later cannibalised for spare parts or simply dumped.

Showmanship Hijacking – A gang operates out of egotistical bravado, acting on the “this is a cool thing to be doing” rationale. Peer group pressure is very high and individuals may be coerced into more dangerous and daredevil approaches; being labeled a “sissy” if they don’t. Thus intimidation, violence and vandalism are associated with the crime. Drugs and alcohol may also be a motive as theft of the victim’s personal belongings is commonplace.

Operational Hijacking – A group formally work together in a more structured way. They usually have experience in car theft and have established contacts within the motorcar underworld that will receive and pay cash for stolen vehicles or spare parts.

Syndicate Hijacking – The most organised of all and often has international connections. A network of hijacking groups is established with the overall coordinator, syndicating out work so that he remains out of view in exactly the same way as the drug baron uses pushers. This makes identifying and arresting the ultimate boss very difficult. Additionally, a syndicate is often backed by a lot of money, especially if there are international links and makes full use of any potential to bribe the authorities in order to protect their operations..

MODUS OPERANDI USED BY HIJACKERS

1. Most hijackings take place in the driveways of residential areas. These hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape routes.
2. Hijackings take place while stationed at any traffic sign or intersection.
3. Hijackings take place while stationary next to the road, e.g. to answer cell phone.
4. Hijackings also occur at post offices and parking areas or you may be followed leaving the filling station with the objective to hijack your vehicle where it is quiet.
5. The hijackers sometimes use a vehicle to force the victim off the road.
6. Hijackings take place at schools when dropping off / picking up children.
7. Hijackings take place while the vehicle is idling when off-loading / loading passengers.
8. Hijackings take place when advertising your vehicle for sale (Test drive method).
9. Bogus Police or Traffic Officers also conduct hijackings (Blue light scenario).

HOW TO AVOID A HIJACK SITUATION

Approaching and entering your driveway:

1. Be extra alert, switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings to determine whether you are being followed.
2. Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.
3. Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
4. Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
5. Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
6. Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
7. Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
8. Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
9. Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
10. When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
11. If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, make sure nobody suspicious around and the road is clear. Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door (not creating temptation). Then open the gate. Drive in and close the gate immediately behind you.
12. If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
13. If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.

Parking your vehicle

1. Check rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
2. When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
3. Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
4. When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles / persons. This is very important as the majority of hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.

Whilst entering your vehicle and while driving

1. Have your key ready, but not visible.
2. Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking.
3. Check underneath your vehicle for items placed under the wheels.
4. Also make sure nobody is hiding on the passenger side before you enter your vehicle.
5. Know your destination and directions to it; and be alert should you get lost.
6. Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
7. Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the vicinity.
8. When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.
9. When dropping off a passenger, make sure they are safely in their own vehicle before departing.
10. Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
11. Avoid driving late at night / early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
12. Drive in the center lane away from pedestrians where possible.
13. If possible, never drive alone.
14. NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers or strangers. (VERY IMPORTANT)
15. Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular basis.

IF CONFRONTED

1. Do not lose your temper, threaten or challenge the hijacker.
2. DO EXACTLY AS TOLD BY THE HIJACKERS!
3. Do not resist, especially if the hijacker has a weapon. Surrender your vehicle and move away. Try to put as much distance between yourself and the hijacker(s) as speedily as possible.
4. Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything in the vehicle.
5. Try to remain calm at all times and do not show signs of aggression.
6. Be compliant to all demands set by the perpetrator.
7. Do not make eye contact with the hijacker. He may perceive this behavior as a threat and retaliate aggressively.
8. Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, so as to give him assurance of your passive content.
9. Do not speak too fast (if you are able to talk) and do not make sudden movements.
10. Gather as much information as possible without posing a threat. How many people? How many firearms and description thereof? What were the perpetrators wearing (clothing)? To which direction did they drive off? Take note of the language they use (the accent).
11. First phone the SA Police Service on 08600 10111. They will dispatch the medical services if needed. Other emergency numbers you could phone are 112 ANY Network (Vodacom+MTN+Cell C) or 147 Vodacom ONLY.
12. Activate the vehicle-tracking device, if the vehicle is fitted with one.

Over the last number of years, vehicle theft has increased markedly. Vehicle tracking has become something that some, if not most, insurers will insist on when you buy a new car. Even more so when you drive a car that is more likely to get hijacked. So, when it comes to something as important as vehicle recovery and tracking, do you know the difference, and which is ideal for you?

Taking a Closer Look At The Differences

The difference between vehicle recovery and tracking is quite simple to understand. And when it comes to choosing the right option for you, knowing the difference can even add a measure of security. Here is a quick overview of the variances:

1.Vehicle Recovery

Vehicle recovery is ideal for car owners who don’t care about too many details surrounding the movement of their vehicle. In other words, you just want to find your boat, motorbike, caravan or car when it gets stolen. Vehicle recovery is left to your tracking company who will accurately pinpoint the location of your stolen property.

2. Vehicle Tracking

Vehicle tracking is ideal for those car-owners who want to know exactly where their vehicles are at their leisure. Tracking units even gives the user the ability to track their vehicle online or from an app on your phone. Trace your vehicle anywhere, anytime. With these units, you will be able to monitor driver behavior too. This could offer a tailor solution to company or business owners who run a fleet of vehicles.

Vehicle recovery and tracking are done with the assistance of the SAPS to ensure the speedy recovery of your vehicle. This includes recovering the entire vehicle before it crosses any of our borders too. It’s important to make sure that you fully understand the services you are entitled to when having a unit installed.

TrackNetics aim to offer our clients the perfect solution to all their vehicle tracking needs, whether for a fleet or a single car. We specialise in installing tracking units in motorbikes, caravans, boats and cars. Our business is to assist you in keeping an eye on your assets at all times of the day and night. Contact TrackNetics today if you want to learn more about looking after your property in the best possible way.