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IN Amanzimtoti and surrounding areas there are a few important crime trends that have been noticed. While the police are working hard to eradicate theft of vehicles, comparatively, the number of carjacking cases has seen an increase.
Captain Charlene Van Der Spuy of Amanzimtoti SAPS communications said: “It also has been realised that stationary cars are not only targets of these thieves, but mobile cars are also, which is believed to be caused by the effective technology in vehicles that make it more difficult to steal a stationary vehicle. It is much simpler to force the driver out of a running vehicle during a hijacking, but the alarming part is that the threat is life threatening.”
“We appeal to the community to be vigilant and to take note that a carjacking can not only occur whilst driving and stopping at intersections or driveways, but also while you are sitting in your car in a street or public and picnic area, entertaining or chatting with friends,” added Van Der Spuy.
The SAPS would like to appeal to the public to please be careful and to adhere to the below tips on how to protect yourself from a carjacking.
— If approached by a stranger while in your vehicle drive off, if possible, or use your hooter to attract attention
— Lock doors, close windows and do not have bags or briefcases visible in the vehicle; use the boot for this. Cellphones should also not be visible. Sometimes hijackings take place for the goods in your car and not the car itself
— When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green
— Make sure you are not followed. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or any busy public area.
— If you encounter obstacles in the road, eg. rocks, tyres, do not get out of the car to remove them. Reverse and drive away in the opposite direction.
— Do not stop to rest or eat on deserted roads.
— Do not leave your vehicle unattended at a filling station.
— Do not sit in quiet roads or streets chatting to people in your car.
— When stopped in traffic, keep a safe distance between the vehicles in front of you, so you can pull away easily if necessary.
— Do not speak on your cellphone whilst driving and be aware of your surroundings.
— Supplied.
