New vehicle crime data shows that, among other things, hijackings and incidents of theft in South Africa are taking place earlier in the week.
This is according to Tracker’s latest vehicle crime statistics, which show that even though vehicles can be stolen or hijacked on any day of the week, nationwide trends have emerged.
The company’s data from the first half of 2025 showed that most hijackings were reported on Thursdays between 16:00 and 21:00, but in the second half of the year, the trend shifted.
Vehicle crime statistics for July to December 2025 showed that hijackings instead peaked on Tuesdays between 16:00 and 21:00.
Tracker’s data reveals that theft of private vehicles continued to be reported most often on Saturdays between 11:00 and 16:00, while hijackings were more likely to occur on Wednesdays between 16:00 and 21:00.
A slightly different pattern emerged when looking at business-owned vehicles. These are most likely to be targeted on Fridays between 11:00 and 21:00.
Tracker’s data did highlight some positives, as its Vehicle Crime Index revealed that vehicle crime slowed down considerably in December.
Both theft and hijacking incidents of private and business-owned vehicles declined over the festive period, as Tracker recorded a 30% decrease in overall vehicle crime.
Much of this decline can be attributed to the 35% decrease in business-owned vehicle theft, which Tracker said represents a change in routine behaviour at the end of the year.
This can largely be attributed to schools closing, businesses slowing down, and many daily commuters heading towards holiday destinations, leading to a decrease in predictable and exploitable commuting patterns.
During the latest review period, Gauteng followed the nationwide pattern, which saw thefts and hijackings decrease in December.
KwaZulu-Natal maintained relatively stable levels of vehicle crime during the same period, while the Western Cape recorded a decrease in crimes involving private vehicles, but an increase in business-owned ones.
Theft vs hijacking
In the Western Cape, both hijacking and theft increased, likely driven by opportunistic crime in busy tourist areas, where activity continues through the festive season.
Tracker’s findings, which align broadly with police data, show that vehicle crime tends to decline in most provinces during the final three months of the year.
However, the latest crime statistics for October to December 2025 show that 4,778 carjackings were recorded across the country, or an average of 50 incidents every day.
Police data indicated that the three provinces that recorded the highest number of hijackings were Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
By contrast, provinces like the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga were beginning to close the gap.
This data also showed that sedans, hatchbacks and coupés were targeted most frequently, with bakkies and panel vans also relatively high on the list.
While theft is slightly more common when it comes to privately owned vehicles – 52% of incidents compared to 48% for hijackings – business-owned vehicles were twice as likely to be hijacked as stolen.
In the second half of 2025, Tracker said it managed to recover 3,590 vehicles, assisted in 127 arrests and helped recover 12 firearms.
“While the numbers may reduce over the holiday period, it’s essential to remain alert to your surroundings – crime hasn’t stopped,” said Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker.
“While on holiday, live in the moment, but be mindful that threats to your wellbeing can arise anywhere and at any time. Remaining vigilant could make all the difference.”
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