Car theft and hijackings are perennial thorns in the sides of motorists in South Africa.
The most recent crime stats from the South African Police showed that an average of 52 cars were hijacked across the country between October and December 2024, while an astounding 85 cars were stolen per day over this same period.
While there are hundreds of reports, articles, and studies on how these crimes affect their victims, where they take place, and how often they occur; one thing that is rarely addressed is the circumstances that led the perpetrators down this dark path.
“The mind of a criminal is a complex place, where the motivations for certain actions are often different. There are many factors to consider when attempting to make sense of this situation. Let’s explore some of these possibilities that may be the cause of their criminal actions,” said vehicle tracking firm Cartrack.
“In order for us to curb vehicle crimes we will need to go inside the mind of a criminal and learn deterrence measures that can be taken to avoid being their victim.”
Organised Crime vs Opportunistic Crime
Different types of criminals use different methods, which is generally based on whether or not they do crime for a living.
Organised crime is typically carried out by a syndicate of thieves who specialise in a specific vehicle crime.
Hijacking syndicates function similarly to drug cartels, with low-ranking criminals performing the deeds.
“The people at the top of the organisation field orders from clients for specific vehicles, which are then relayed to the lower-ranking criminals who must do the job,” said Cartrack.
After a hijacking, cars can be driven across the border to buyers or kept locally for parts, resale, or criminal use.
Meanwhile, opportunistic crimes are perpetrated by people who are acting on impulse and taking advantage of the circumstances presented to them.
“They are normally tempted by unattended valuables in a car and easy access due to a driver’s negligence,” said Cartrack.
Such crimes tend to take place in public places such as malls, petrol stations, and street parking.
What attracts vehicle criminals?
Things that attract criminals are usually human error-based mistakes that most drivers have made before.
These include:
- Unsecured cars
- Poor parking choices
- Valuables in plain sight
- Vehicles without security features
Some vehicles, particularly those that are popular choices among buyers, are also stolen due to high demand for their parts.
How criminals choose their targets
Criminals don’t usually act at random, which has revealed patterns to how and when they commit their crimes.
The time of day plays an important role in when thieves or hijackers tend to attack.
“Most criminals perform their vehicle crimes, such as smash and grabs, between 06h00 and 08h00 and 16h00 and 20h00, which are peak traffic hours,” said Cartrack.
“This is when drivers are too focused on the journey, in a hurry, and less aware of their surroundings.”
Criminals also choose areas where they can catch people off guard and make easy escapes.
Shopping centres, petrol stations, and street parking near major intersections are hotspots for car theft; whereas hijackings frequently occur at quiet residential driveways, especially when drivers are entering or exiting their homes.
The behaviour of the driver can make all the difference, too.
“Distracted drivers are usually the best target for criminals as they will be less likely to expect and react to a criminal attempt,” said Cartrack.
These are usually people who are on their phones, smoking, or in a conversation.
Women are also targeted more often as they usually carry handbags and other high-value items such as jewellery.
“They are also perceived as less likely to defend themselves,” said Cartrack.
Common vehicle crimes and tactics
Theft from vehicles is the most common type of vehicle crime in South Africa and referes to things such as smash-and-grabs and lock jamming.
“This is one of the less dangerous vehicle crimes, where items are stolen from inside the car,” said Cartrack.
Full-blown theft is more serious as it’s classified as when a parked car is stolen, either through forcible measures or easy access due to unlocked doors.
Common methods include hotwiring and keyless entry hacking.
Last but certainly not least is hijackings.
“This is the most dangerous form of vehicle theft, where criminals forcibly take the car with the driver and sometimes with passengers inside,” said Cartrack.
“This is done with firearms and other assault weapons, leading to injury and sometimes death when drivers do not comply.”
Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes are the most targeted types of vehicles for hijackers in South Africa, whereas bakkies/panel vans are a closed second, and SUVs third.
Avoid becoming a target
Protecting yourself from vehicle crimes requires that you put measures in place that will either act as a deterent or a prevention.
A range of technological defences is at your disposal to effectively deal with vehicle crime.
These include car alarms, immobilisers, dashcams, and vehicle tracking services.
Additionally, situational awareness out on the road is very important.
Avoiding distractions, scanning surroundings, and recognising suspicious behaviour are all things that you will need to do regularly when on the road.
“This helps you be ready to take action in case of an emergency,” said Cartrack.
Where you park your car can also determine whether or not a criminal will go for it.
Always try to leave your car in well-lit areas and secure garages, and avoid crime hotspots whenever possible.
There are also simpler things you can do that can help with car crime, such as double-checking locks, using steering locks, and making sure you don’t leave valuables in visible parts of the car.
What to do if you’re targeted
Suppose you’re in a situation where you believe that you might be a target, there are certain precuations you can take.
If you’re being followed, avoid going home as this might be the intended location of the hijacking. Instead, employ defensive driving techniques and call for help from a friend or relative.
“If you are certain that something suspicious is happening, then alert the authorities and find the nearest police station,” said Cartrack.
In the worst-case scenario
If you are attacked by hijackers, Cartrack advises taking the following steps:
- Stay calm and comply
- Don’t make eye contact
- Keep your hands visible
- Exit the vehicle slowly
- Leave belongings behind
- If you have children in the car, inform the hijackers calmly
- Wait for the hijackers to drive off before running to find help
Directly after, report the incident to authorities and notify your tracking recovery services if they have not yet detected the crime.
If you and any other parties are injured, then contact emergency services to provide care and take you to the hospital if necessary.
“Between the police and your tracking company, the crime will be addressed accordingly,” said Cartrack.
The company also noted that it’s important to stay up to date with any new information that might be shared regarding the investigation.
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