Statistics released by the SAPS recently show how prevalent vehicle hijackings are. Between July and September of 2023, around 6000 vehicles were hijacked across South Africa – an average of approximately 66 cars per day.
“With the busy festive season period on our doorstep, thousands of families will be travelling by road to their holiday destinations. We recommend they make risk mitigation part of their process of planning for their travels, and this should include testing the vehicle tracking system that they have installed,” says Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of the Fidelity Services Group.
“Combine this testing with any routine maintenance you are doing on your vehicle so that you can pick up any problems now and have it fixed, before you hit the road.”
Technology is a fast-developing arena where newer and more efficient products and services are developed at a blistering pace. “The same can also be said for vehicle tracking and telematics systems, which makes it vital to regularly ask whether your chosen system is still the best option for your family vehicle,” says Bartmann.
“For example, how accurate is your system? Has it developed along with new advancements in GPS technology, and does it give you the sense of ease knowing that your car (and its valuable occupants) is accurately tracked in real time?”
When it comes to travelling at this time of year, families might also be worried about teenagers or students who might be commuting on their own to their festive season destinations.
“Giving your children their first set of wheels is something every parent dreams of and aspires to. Considering the levels of crime which we see in South Africa it is certainly a good idea to consider some kind of vehicle telematics or ‘tracking’ system as well,” says Bartmann.
Vehicle tracking systems (such as SecureDrive, a product made available by Fidelity Services) can offer the same kind of protection that your home’s alarm system offers. It can warn you if anyone is trying to steal your (or your child’s) car, and it can help locate it when it has been taken by someone.
Fidelity SecureDrive, according to the Vehicle Security Association of South Africa recovery rate calculation methodology, has recorded a recovery rate in excess of 90% for the year.
But what can car owners do to better protect themselves and their vehicles? And what advice is there for parents who are worried about the safety of their matriculant or student children?
Awareness, says Bartmann, is as important as always and it is critical that parents talk to their kids about safe driving habits. He recommends keeping an eye on your surroundings.
In the unfortunate event that you are hijacked, how do you give your car over in a non-threatening manner? Bartmann says 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 your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender.”
He also recommends:
- 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.
And speaking of holidays. Bartmann says many vehicles are reported stolen when their owners return home after their break.
“If you have use of a secure lockup facility or garage for your vehicle, please always make use of it to help protect your vehicle. We recommend extending your home’s armed response monitoring system to also include your garage. For those who do not have use of a safe facility such as a garage, we recommend parking in a public area where there is lots of light and foot traffic. Never leave valuable items in your parked car at night.”
