Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Western Cape are the three provinces reporting the most incidents, however crime is increasing nationally. Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operations Officer at Tracker, expressed concern as the numbers drawn from over 1.1 million Tracker-installed vehicles continue to climb year on year.

“For 2022, incidents have increased by 13% from the previous year. Gauteng has risen by more than 18% with the largest contributor being vehicle theft which is up 22%, and hijackings up 15%. These figures are indicative of the harsh reality South African motorists face when taking to the road, and as we get on with our normal lives post Covid lockdowns, these figures will no doubt continue to climb.”

Keyless access theft has yet again been reported as one of the most common forms of vehicle theft which generally involves a team of criminals. By using a relay amplifier, a criminal can amplify the constantly transmitted signal received from the vehicle’s key fob to a criminal counterpart’s relay transmitter. The criminal counterpart can then gain access to the vehicle via the transmitter and drive away with it.

However, cars requiring a key are equally vulnerable, and the threat of hijackings at intersections is an everyday reality.

Based on the VCI findings, Tracker has prepared a list of tips to mitigate theft and/or hijackings:

For keyless entry:

• Invest in a Faraday pouch lined with metallic material when storing your keyless entry key fob, as it blocks key fob signals and reduces the likelihood of criminals being able to amplify the signal in order to gain access to your vehicle.
• If your car with keyless entry function does not park behind a locked gate or in a garage, try parking another car requiring a key behind it, making it more difficult to steal the keyless entry vehicle.
• Or consider deactivating the keyless entry function by following the instructions from your motor manufacturer or your vehicle handbook.

Hijacking avoidance advice:

• Do not follow the same route to and from your destinations. Try to change this regularly so you don’t have a driving pattern.
• Predetermine your route before getting into the vehicle so there’s no need to stop next to the road or ask for directions.
• Find out which areas are high risk crime and car hijacking areas and avoid these.
• Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, at all times.
• Ensure that there is always a half to full car length space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can get away should you witness or experience an attempted hijacking.
• When you are parking, check all your mirrors to gain awareness of your surroundings, especially before you exit your vehicle.
• Avoid sitting in a parked car, especially if you’re reading or busy on your cell phone.
• If you see someone that might require roadside assistance, rather call the police or metro police to assist them.

Vehicle theft prevention:

• Double check that your windows are closed and that the doors are locked before walking away from your parked car.
• Park in a well-lit area and if possible, an area with cameras monitoring the parking area and pedestrian activity around your vehicle.
• Use a steering wheel lock and install an immobiliser. There is merit in having an additional system installed, even if your car has one built in. An audible alarm system is a further criminal deterrent.
• Do not leave a spare key for your vehicle near your vehicle.

“Consider installing or upgrading your vehicle tracking system to an option offering both theft retrieval and early notification of unauthorised movement, to ensure your tracking company can initiate vehicle recovery protocols immediately following a theft or hijacking. A vehicle tracker could also bring your insurance premiums down slightly,” recommends Ngcobo.

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Charlette Roetz, Head of Marketing at Tracker, says that although women are regarded in the insurance industry as safer drivers or less likely to be in an accident, they can however be more vulnerable when travelling in their car than men.

“We often drive alone as we go about our day to day tasks. But simply locking our car doors is no guarantee that we’ll arrive at our destination safely, so it’s important to err on the side of caution and plan our trips accordingly.”

Below are 10 tips to improve your safety on the road and to keep your friends updated on your travel status – these tips are easy to follow and suited to drivers of all ages.

1. Share your journey through a vehicle tracking app with a friend or family member. “This is an easy way to keep them updated without having to take several phone calls whilst driving to find out your estimated time of arrival.”
   
2. Plan your trip in advance. Know how long your drive will be and if there are roadworks so you can gauge if you need to find a different route and ensure you arrive timeously.
   
3. Have enough fuel or a full tank. Ensure you have enough fuel to get you through your journey without having to make any unplanned stops.
   
4. Invest in roadside assistance from a trusted provider. “When driving alone, it’s always risky to pull over on the side of the road when your car breaks down, to change a tyre, or check on a strange noise coming from your car. By subscribing to a personal armed response service and a roadside assistance service, they can be at your side to guard your safety until you are back on the road.”
   
5. Plan your breaks. “When pulling over to refuel or stretch your legs, ensure you’re safe by aiming for high traffic areas such as reputable forecourts where other travellers will be stopping to rest too – they also have cameras for extra peace of mind.”
   
6. Do a pre-road trip safety check. Before you jump in a car or embark on a road trip, ensure your car is running properly, check your tyres and make sure your phone is fully charged in case you need assistance.
   
7. Lock your doors. “Remote jamming is on the increase so always double-check that your doors are actually locked when you park, and when coming back to your car, check the backseat before getting in.”
   
8. Use your wits at intersections. Consider how far to stop behind a vehicle to ensure you can easily manoeuvre past them in case of an emergency, and always keep an eye on your surroundings when stopped.
   
9. Assistance in the event of an accident. “Certain subscribed services offer impact detection capabilities that can alert a trusted partner to your predicament. Assistance can then be dispatched to you without needing to call for it, especially in the event you are rendered unconscious or cannot fend for yourself.”
   
10. Ensure you have access to your children on the backseat. “During a hijacking or accident, moms with small children or babies will need access to their children quickly. If you’re travelling with one child, seat them directly behind you to make it easier to help your child out of the car. If you are travelling with two or more children, seat the eldest child behind you, and teach them how to loosen their seatbelts and assist their younger sibling while you make your way to them quickly.”

It’s important to be prepared for all scenarios. “Planning is key and a roadside assistance service is fast becoming an non-negotiable too. Greater peace of mind from a trusted roadside assistance, accident assistance or personal protection service will free you up to focus on the road ahead when driving and getting to your destination safely,” concludes Roetz.

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Criminals are always looking for an easy opportunity to take what isn’t theirs. However, on the flip side of their gain, is the loss impact for the victims, which can have profound psychological and financial implications. Even a small incident, where the victim doesn’t come into direct contact with the criminal, can leave the victim feeling violated and out of pocket.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), our neighbours released crime statistics for the fourth quarter of 2021-2022 noted an increase in many crime categories, including burglary at residential premises, carjacking, theft out of or from motor vehicle, and other general theft. Employ the mindset of a thief and keep the following precautions in mind to deter criminals from taking advantage and seizing those things dear to you.

At home

Isolated and empty homes and those with higher walls or surrounded by bushes are greater targets because there is less chance of a thief being seen and possibly caught while committing a crime. However, we are living in a country marred by violent crime and home invasions, where any house may be fair game.

Therefore, think like a thief and critically evaluate your home security to identify gaps. Then boost it to the greatest level you can afford. That might mean installing burglar bars or security gates at a minimum, or if you have the budget, a home security system with an alarm including inside and outside sensors, an electric fence and IP cameras. If possible, enlist the help of a security company. Make sure that the systems installed are in good working order.

Also, have a look around your yard and home for things that might be setting you up as a target. For example, an overgrown bush offering a perfect hiding spot; or a large tree with overhanging branches that could be used to scale walls. Tools or ladders left lying in the garden can be used to break into the house. Your Pikitup wheelie bin can be used as a climbing aid or to transport stolen items. Large dog doors, and open windows and doors, even those on an upper floor, offer easy access. The boxes of your extravagant purchases left outside with your rubbish for everyone to see lets a thief know exactly what there is to steal. An overflowing mailbox or a bin that is not placed out on collection day could indicate that no one is home.

Plus, have a look around your yard for items of value that are easy pickings, for example, garden furniture, ornaments, or a free-standing braai. A gate motor is also quite valuable and easily taken if it isn’t protected by a locked anti-theft cage.

Think about the things that you can add to your home as deterrents, such as outside and motion sensor lighting, or internal lights set on timers to go on and off at various intervals. Keep curtains drawn on any window that can be seen from the street to prevent potential thieves from seeing what you have in your house or whether the room is occupied. A dog can sometimes be a deterrent – the general sentiment is that small dogs bark drawing attention and large dogs bite.

Most importantly, remain attentive to your surroundings. Be wary of people at your gate or door. Look out for suspicious activity in the street or litter that can be used as markers. Get to know your neighbours. You’ll be able to watch out for one another and you will immediately know when something out of the ordinary occurs at a neighbouring home or strangers are lurking. Join your community WhatsApp or Telegram group or your neighbourhood watch group – these have been proven to thwart criminal activity.

On the road

Anything easy to pick up and valuable, for example, a cell phone or a laptop, is highly attractive to a thief. In the car, to avoid smash and grabs, valuables are better kept in the boot or under the seats. If these items will have to stay in the car when you reach your destination, it is best to stow them away before you get there, in case someone is watching you when you arrive.

While driving, always keep the car doors locked and the windows closed. Remain attentive and minimise distractions from gadgets, music, or other people in the car. A criminal is relying on any opportunity and waiting for you to be distracted, and your gadgets could be what they’re after.

Observe your behaviour through the eyes of a criminal. Consider whether you could be boxed in at a robot because you stop too close to the car in front of you, or outside your home as you wait for the gate to open. Or whether you are an easy or attractive target to follow. Also, could your phone be easily snatched because you’re sitting in your car with the window down and your phone in your hand. Act in a way that you would if you know you are being watched because you are probably being watched.

In life

No matter where you go or what you do, it’s important to be attentive. Don’t carry too much cash or valuables on your person and keep these items out of sight. Leave unnecessary bank or store cards at home. Avoid walking around with your phone in your hand or talking on your phone while walking as this makes it easier to snatch. Avoid leaving your phone, wallet or purse on the table while seated at a restaurant. Also, consider whether something could be taken from you without you noticing, for instance out of your bag or from your back pocket.

“Often, it is only when something unexpected happens that we stop and consider our surroundings,” says Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker. “Think ahead, with the mindset of the worst that could happen, and take action accordingly to stay safe.”

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