Hijackings: What You Need to Know

Surviving a Hijack

The hijackers are probably just as scared as you are. They may be under the influence of drugs, which can make their actions even more unpredictable

Try not to panic and don’t do anything the hijackers may not be expecting. Do not scream or make sudden movements, especially with your hands

Avoid eye contact and keep your hands where the hijackers can see them. This will assure them that you are not reaching for a weapon. Do not raise your hands above your head and this may be seen as your trying to attract the attention of other people

If they order you out of the car, wait for them to open the door, or, open the door when told

Move slowly away from the car so that you are not perceived as a threat to them

Listen carefully and make sure you understand what the hijackers are saying and follow their orders

Quietly assure the hijackers that they can take your car

Do not reach for, or move towards items they may demand such as wallets and cellphones. Wait for them to take it them-selves or hand it to them when asked to do so

Be honest. For instance, if you have a firearm and are questioned about having one, admit you do. If they later find out that you lied, it may cause them to become violent. Also, show them how to deactivate alarms when asked

Try to concentrate on the possibility of having to identify them later. Make mental notes of their clothes, ages and their facial characteristics. But don’t stare at them

If ordered to drive the vehicle, do so responsibly and don’t do anything out of the ordinary

If you experience severe trauma, which can manifest itself in many ways soon or long after the incident, get professional counselling

And remember that you are not to blame for the incident
 

VEHICLE hijackings have become a part of our lives. True, they should not exist or be tolerated in any society, but the truth is that they are with us everyday. And the most terrible aspect is that they pose a threat to our most precious gift – our life.

Your best possible protection against hijacking is to be constantly aware of the conditions under which you may become vulnerable.

Remember, hijackers rarely work alone. They usually operate as well-organized groups. And they are getting smarter by the day. They even stage accidents by using bloody "bodies". It’s foolhardy to expect only the law to protect us from this menace: we also have to know what to do and what NOT to when confronted by hijackers. Remember, if you ever happen to become a victim, your life and that of those with you, must be your priority. Resistance may cause hijackers to become violent or even deadly. Bear in mind that possessions can be replaced, but a life cannot.

Here's advice from the South African Police Services (SAPS)

Know Your Enemy
  • It is not easy to spot hijackers, so be wary of anyone who approaches your vehicle or is found loitering near traffic lights, stop streets, parking areas or your driveway
  • Hijackers tend to be men in their early 20s. Women are also used to lure victims
  • They tend to be well-dressed and sometimes wear a jersey or jacket to conceal their weapons
  • They usually use high-performance vehicles that have tinted windows. They sometimes spend days sizing up a situation before attacking

High Risk Areas
  • Central business districts and areas close to them
  • Home driveways and residential streets
  • Stop streets and traffic lights
  • Unmanned parking lots

The Do’s
  • Travel with the doors locked
  • Keep all windows closed, or, at the most, only slightly open without allowing space for a hand to be pushed through
  • Leave enough room between your vehicle and the one in front to avoid being boxed in
  • Be wary when knocked from behind. It could well be a hijack attempt
  • Attract the attention of other road users by hooting, flashing your headlights and emergency lights and shouting if you think you are in danger
  • Always be vigilant about the vehicles travelling behind, in front of, and next to you. If you think you are being targeted for a hijack, take immediate steps to get out of the situation
  • If you suspect you are being followed, drive to a police station or any other safe place but don’t head home
  • When you approach suspicious roadblocks, keep the windows closed and doors locked. Ask to see the police or traffic officer’s identity card. Show your identity document or driving licence through the window.
  • Adopt the same precaution when stopped at speed traps
  • On long journeys, avoid making overnight stops in unsafe spots
  • Alert the police about vehicles with suspicious-looking passengers. Give a description of the occupants and the vehicle

The Don’ts

  • Don’t stop at the scene of an accident unless you are sure it is genuine. Hijackers have even used "bodies" to stage accidents. Rather drive on and report the matter at a police station. Slowing down also makes you vulnerable
  • Don’t enter your garage or parking area if you believe you are being followed. Drive to a police station
  • Don’t stop when a passer-by indicates that your vehicle has a flat tyre or any other defect. Drive to a service station or any other safe spot to check. It is wise to carry a product that temporarily seals a puncture and inflates your tyre
  • Don’t pick up hitchhikers or unknown passengers
  • Don’t leave your vehicle door open and engine running while opening your garage doors or gates. Vehicle thieves can act quicker than you expect
  • Don’t be distracted by people handing out flyers at intersections or buy flowers and newspapers from unfamiliar vendors

 

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