How to Spot and Avoid a Hijacking

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.