Hijacking

Hijackings are a very real danger in South Africa. Learn how to avoid and survive them.

Prevent Hijacking When Parking Your Vehicle when parking your vehicle:
• Check your rear-view mirror to ensure that you are not being followed.
• When returning home after dark, ensure that there is an outside light on or have someone meet you at the door.
• When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of anything that may be concealing a hijacker.
• Never sit in your parked car without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationery vehicle is particularly dangerous.
• When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons.

Prevent a Hijack Situation

Take Precautions :
• Know your environment.
• Get to know who belongs in the vicinity of your home or workplace and who does not.
• Lock all doors and close windows before driving off.
• Try to vary your route to places you visit regularly.
• Ensure all your mirrors are adjusted to give you an optimal all-round view of your surroundings.
• Try to stop about 5m behind the car in front of you at a stop sign or traffic light – it makes for an easier getaway if trouble arises.
• Do not be fooled by false appeals for help or “accidents” such as having you car rammed from behind.

Reducing the Risk of a Hijacking When Entering or in Your Vehicle

• Have your key ready, but not visible.
• Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking it.
• Know your destination and directions to it, and be alert should you get lost.
• Always drive with your windows and doors locked and/or closed.
• Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the area.
• Avoid driving when the roads are quiet.
• If possible, never drive alone.
• NEVER pick up hitch-hikers.
• Change your routes on a regular basis.
• Do not leave windows open more than 5cm.

Home Security - Protect your Home

Even though a home alarm system is a great way to keep your home safe, you can never be too careful when it comes to home security.

• Ensure that all valuables and important documents are photocopied, authenticated by a Commissioner of Oath and securely locked away. If you do not have a fire proof home safe, lodge these copies with your bank for safekeeping.
• Ensure that perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks. The front door should have a safety chain or safety latch and, if the door has no vision panel, a door viewer. If keys to perimeter doors are mislaid, those locks should be replaced.
• Ensure all windows are fitted with adequate locks or burglar bars that cover all glass.
• Ensure that all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use. Do not leave in doors or make unnecessary copies.
• Install a safe for weapons and valuables. Duplicate house keys could be kept in this safe. Wall safes are usually not fire proof and therefore not suitable for face-value documents and money.
• Keep the garage and tool shed locked when not in use. Would–be intruders should not have access to any item that can be used as a weapon or burglary tool.
• Install outside lights that can be remotely controlled from inside the house. Consider installing lighting outside which is activated by a motion detector.
• Try not to have high walls and tall hedges that obscure your view of the property. If walls and ledges are low, or have openings, neighbours and passers-by will more easily be able to spot suspicious or unusual activity.