It is no secret that South Africa has one of the highest carjacking rates in the world. In 2017 there was an average of 46 reported hijackings per day! [1]
In February 2017, the vehicle tracking company Ctrack released a report in which they revealed the hijacking statistics for different car brands for the year of 2016. Here are the results: [2]
Passenger Vehicles
In order of popularity:
- VW
- Toyota
- Ford
- Citroen
- Kia
- Hyundai
- BMW
- Audi
- Renault
- Chevrolet
- Tata
- Opel
- Nissan
- Honda
- Citroen
- Volvo
- Datsun
The most popular hijacked passenger car was the VW Polo.
Image source Businesstech.co.za
SUV’s
In order of popularity:
- Toyota
- Land Rover
- Nissan
- Mahindra
- VW
- Jeep
- Porsche
- Renault
- Ford
- Daihatsu
- BMW
The most popular passenger SUV was the Toyota Fortuner.
Image source Businesstech.co.za
It comes as no surprise that the most hijacked vehicles are also the bestselling ones in South Africa.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Getting Hijacked?
There is nothing you can do to prevent getting hijacked, although there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.
- Always keep your car doors locked and your windows closed.
- When stopping at a red light, leave some space between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you don’t have to come to a complete stop, don’t!
- Many hijackings occur in residential driveways. Try to open your gate in such a way that you do not have to come to a complete stop in front of it. Always scan the area for suspicious looking people. Also, ensure enough lighting in your driveway and minimal bushes or other places to hide.
- Be aware of vehicles that are following you, especially from airports. If you suspect they are following you, drive around the block to see if it continues. If it does, drive directly to your nearest police station.
- Stay away from dark and lonely places.
- Try to park in secure areas.
- Keep your valuable possessions out of sight.
- Lastly, by purchasing a low risk vehicle, your chances of getting hijacked will also be reduced.
Sources
[1] https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-10-25-op-ed-crime-statistics-201617-did-the-back-to-basics-approach-work/
[2] https://businesstech.co.za/news/motoring/156635/the-most-hijacked-cars-and-car-makers-in-south-africa/