Anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee has cautioned drivers to be vigilant and prepared in cases of an emergency as vehicle crime has spiked. This follows a preliminary police report which cited that million vehicles registered with tracker vehicle crime has seen a steep increase as restrictions arelifted.
Abramjee said that as South Africa’s lockdown restrictions are gradually lifted criminal activity including vehicle crime is fast returning to pre-lockdown levels.
“We are observing dramatic increases in hijackings and motor-vehicle theft – criminal syndicates are at work. We are also seeing more hijackers taking victims as hostages and forcing them to withdraw cash from ATMs before freeing them,” said Abramjee.
He stated that the loss of jobs due to the lockdown also triggered the increasing vehicles crimes.
‘This is extremely concerning and it is bound to get worse. Our unemployment rates are soaring due to the effect that the lockdown has had on our economy and criminals are getting desperate,” said Abramjee.
He encouraged SA citizens to be alert at all times during these unprecedented times.
“Take the necessary safety precautions. Criminals are desperate and motor-vehicle-theft and hijacking gangs are dangerous,” said Abramjee.
Abramjee, together with the South African Tyre Manufacturing Conference (SATMC), recommends drivers follow these guidelines to protect themselves against vehicle crime:
1. Make sure your parked car is locked, and valuables are out of sight.
It is important to know which security systems you have in your vehicle and how they can protect you.
2. Avoid stopping next to the road due to tyre failure.
Stopping next to the road can be dangerous. Criminals use various tactics to force drivers to stop on the side of the road before attacking and robbing them.
3. Know how to change a tyre safely.
Before embarking on a long trip, it’s best not only to inspect your car’s tyres but also to check your spare wheel’s tread and pressure.
4. Be alert and drive defensively to avoid hijackings.
South Africa has one of the highest hijacking figures in the world – it is estimated that a motor vehicle is hijacked every 40 to 54 minutes.
