Vehicle theft and hijackings continue to pose a major threat in South Africa, with alarming statistics showing that the country still grapples with high crime rates in this sector.

Despite a slight decline in motor vehicle thefts compared to 2023, the numbers remain concerning.

Between April and June 2024, a staggering 8,611 incidents of motor vehicle theft were reported, marking a 5.2% decrease from the previous year.

However, this still translates to an average of 96 vehicles stolen each day, indicating that the issue is far from under control.

Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes have emerged as the most frequently hijacked vehicle types, according to the latest South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics.

What is particularly troubling is the resurgence of car thefts and hijackings in mall parking lots, especially targeting high-value vehicles.

Syndicates involved in these crimes are becoming more sophisticated, with both SAPS and private tracking and insurance companies like Tracker and Santam raising concerns about the surge in thefts from shopping centres.

Duma Ngcobo, COO of Tracker, highlights that malls remain prime hotspots for vehicle thefts, with certain days and times presenting a higher risk.

His concerns are echoed by data from insurance provider Santam, which notes that criminals have adapted to new technology, using advanced methods to outwit vehicle security systems.

The rise of keyless vehicles has given thieves more opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities, as they now employ high-tech methods like relay and canvas attacks to hijack cars.

Santam’s Head of Personal Lines, Marius Kemp, warns that car thieves are increasingly employing technology to bypass vehicle security.

He highlights that there has been a notable increase in claims for both theft and hijacking of high-value vehicles, particularly keyless models.

Kemp explains that criminals often work in pairs, using car-jamming techniques where one thief stays close to the vehicle while another intercepts the signal from the keyless remote, effectively unlocking the car without triggering any alarms.

Kemp emphasises the need for motorists to remain vigilant, urging them to take all necessary precautions to safeguard their vehicles and avoid becoming victims.

While vehicle theft and hijackings occur throughout South Africa, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape are currently the regions most affected by them.

Specific car models are repeatedly targeted, with Toyota and Volkswagen vehicles being the most at risk due to their popularity in both South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Specific car models continue to be at high risk, with Toyota and Volkswagen vehicles being particularly vulnerable due to their popularity in both South Africa and neighbouring countries.

The following vehicle models have been identified as high-risk for hijacking in South Africa:

• Ford Ranger
• Hyundai i20
• Nissan NP200
• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Etios
• Toyota Fortuner (GD6 and D4D)
• Toyota Hilux (GD6 and D4D)
• Toyota Prado
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Toyota RAV 4
• VW Polo (especially hatchbacks)

In terms of timing, hijackings and thefts follow predictable patterns.

Fridays between 15h00 and 22h00 are the most common times for hijackings, while vehicle thefts typically peak on Saturdays between 11h00 and 15h00.

This information highlights the importance of staying alert, particularly during these high-risk periods, as criminals often take advantage of drivers’ routines to carry out their crimes.

Despite advancements in vehicle technology, criminals are staying one step ahead, using ever more sophisticated tactics to steal cars.

The resurgence of these hijacking methods in South Africa serves as a stark reminder for drivers to remain vigilant and take every possible precaution to protect their vehicles and their personal safety.

Kemp offered motorists advice on how to stay safe and avoid becoming a target for criminals:

• Disable keyless entry, a convenience-focused feature that allows you to open and start a car by having its keyfob near the vehicle instead of manually pressing a button.
• Make sure you have Smash and Grab anti-hijacking film on your car windows and keep your windows closed when stationary at traffic lights, etc.
• Always park your car off-street in a secure area, ideally in a garage at night, and while out and about during the day, it’s best to park in a highly visible area or in a paid undercover parking lot, where possible.
• Use a signal-blocking case such as a Faraday pouch to store your key.
• Do a manual check to see if your car doors are locked.
• Do not stow valuables in your boot, especially avoid doing so while in plain sight.
• A good old-fashioned steering wheel lock is still a highly effective deterrent for thieves.
• Always remain alert when stationary at traffic lights or stop streets and while parked waiting to enter or exit your driveway/gate, particularly at night.
• Avoid known hijacking hotspots, and find alternative, safer routes to travel.
• Make sure you are not being followed and if you suspect you are, don’t drive to your house, and don’t stop the car, drive to a busy area or to the closest police station.
• Install a tracking device in your car. Of course, this won’t keep it from getting stolen, but it can help with rapid recovery. But be sure to do your homework as there are many different types of devices, some have much better recovery rates than others.

“Prioritising personal safety by proactively managing your risk to prevent a theft or hijacking from occurring in the first place is of the utmost importance in this heightened risk landscape,” said Kemp.

Original Article - BusinessTech