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What to do in a hijack
30/10/2006 19:04 - (SA)
Die Burger
Port Elizabeth - A handy guide with useful information about vehicle hijackings has just been issued by a police inspector from the East Rand.
Inspector Riaan Steenkamp from the Elsburg police station compiled the guide which people can use to heighten their awareness of hijackings.
It pointed out that the suspected hijackers were armed in 90% of these cases, but that only 1% of the hijackings ended fatally.
"Their driving style is immediately suspicious. They sometimes drive around slowly for days in a certain area, without a purpose or in a specific direction."
How to avoid a hijacking:
Get to know your neighbourhood.
Keep up to date about who belongs in your neighbourhood or at your workplace and who does not.
Lock all doors and windows before you drive and be on the alert for anything unusual.
Vary the routes you use to drive to places.
Try to stop always 5m behind a car so that you can drive away fast if you get into trouble.
People can lower their risk when they are driving by:
Keeping their keys ready but out of sight.
Keeping all windows and doors shut and locked.
Avoiding unknown areas or areas with a high crime rate.
Never picking up hitchhikers and trying not to drive around alone late at night.
Ensure you are not followed after you have parked your car.
In the event of a hijacking:
Never make any movements yourself, because this could give the hijackers the impression you are reaching for a firearm or panic button.
Keep your hands in clear view and keep them as still as possible.
Listen carefully to what the hijackers want you to do and concentrate on being able to identify them at a later stage, but don't stare too much.
- Die Burger
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