Be vigilant of hi-jackers on the road

Reports suggest it takes a criminal less than 11 minutes to break into and steal a motor vehicle - despite huge advancements in security.

The SA Police Service's Crime Report for 2010/2011 showed that 10627 vehicles were car-jacked in the year, equivalent to 29 every day.

As a result, it has become increasingly crucial for owners to ensure they have appropriate security measures on their vehicles to reduce this risk or help to recover it in case it's stolen.

Russell Cockerton, national sales manager of Geotab - the asset, vehicle and personnel vehicle tracking group - says motorists must be aware of the risks and take appropriate measures. "A tracking device is a simple tool that can help to recover one of your biggest assets. But, there are a number of other steps - such as onboard cameras that can take video recordings inside the vehicle and immediately send them to a tracking company - even if the device is removed."

Cockerton notes that it is also crucial for motorists to be vigilant and to take precautions to avoid being car-jacked, such as:

• When stopping behind other vehicles, make sure there is enough room to overtake the car in front of you.

• If you have to get away from a situation, turn left at the intersection - that way if you cause an accident your boot will absorb most of the impact.

• When approaching traffic lights, try not to be first in the queue. Almost 90% of hi-jackings are are committed at the vehicle in the front.
• When parking, reverse into the space so you can drive straight out.

• When arriving home, try not to park directly in front of your gate: doing so means you may easily be blocked in.