MOTORING NEWS - The latest police crime stats showed that a car was stolen every 22 minutes. 

SAPS numbers point to hijackings increasing by 14% while Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal showed the highest number of hijackings for the reporting period.

But what can car owners do to better protect themselves and their vehicles?

Awareness, is just as important as always.

One of the methods that hijackers are increasingly using to target motorists is the ‘tap tap’ trap. This is where a criminal will deliberately drive into the back of your car in traffic, or ‘taps’ it, with motorists then hijacked when they get out of their car to assess the damage.

We have noted that hijackers often use female drivers as decoys. Our advice is to never get out of the car on the scene to assess the damage but rather drive to a busy location. You should signal to the other driver to follow, and if it is not a legitimate accident, they will seldom do so.

We recommend keeping a constant eye on your surroundings when you are on your way home.

If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two to three houses prior to your home. If you are being followed, you will force the vehicle behind you to pass and this could cause the criminals to lose interest.

In the unfortunate event that you are hijacked, how do you give your car over in a non-threatening manner?

The first and golden rule is to not antagonise the hijackers who are probably more scared than you are. You need to show them you are not a threat. Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender.

Other recommended safety advice:

• Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral;
• Do not turn off your car;
• Get out slowly;
• Try and angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on;
• Remember to protect your head with your arms;
• Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers;
• Try to take in what they are wearing, the sound of their voices, etc.
• Most importantly try to remain calm.

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