Your car is more likely to be hijacked than stolen, crime index report shows

Your vehicle is more likely to be hijacked than stolen, with Tracker's vehicle crime statistics for July to December 2024 indicating that 56% of all vehicle crime incidents in South Africa are hijackings, while 44% are thefts.

The Tracker Vehicle Crime Index shows for personal vehicles, the national split between hijacking and theft is fairly equal. However, hijacking becomes more pronounced when evaluating specific provinces.

In the Western Cape, a personal vehicle is twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen, and this rises to four times more likely in the Eastern Cape.

In Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, more personal vehicles are stolen than hijacked, at 52% and 61% respectively.

According to Tracker's statistics, Gauteng is still the province with the most crime, with 58% of all vehicle crime and 55% of all hijackings occurring in the province. 

The Tracker Vehicle Crime Index aggregates information from Tracker’s more than 1.1-million subscribers.

This data indicates that across the country, business-owned vehicles are twice as likely to be hijacked than stolen, with just over half of these vehicles hijacked in Gauteng. 

Countrywide, the likelihood of vehicle crime being a hijacking rather than a theft is 33% higher for business-owned vehicles compared to personal vehicles. Business-owned vehicles are also 56% more likely to experience vehicle crime compared with personal vehicles. 

Business-owned vehicles range from cargo trucks with trailers to courier vehicles delivering items ordered online.

Across South Africa, more vehicles are reported hijacked on Fridays, and between the hours of 4pm and 9pm. Theft is mainly reported on Saturdays, and between the hours of 4pm and 9pm. 

The South African Police Service's latest crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year (October to December 2024) reveal that 4,807 carjacking crimes occurred.

In the same period of the previous financial year, about 5,973 carjacking crimes were reported. This brought this type of crime down by 19.5%.

The vehicles hijacked between October to December 2024, according to police statistics, include 2,339 hatchbacks/sedans/coupes, 1,500 bakkies/panel vans, 326 SUV station wagons and 303 micro buses/mini buses.

Tracker COO Duma Ngcobo said hijacking, while terrifying to the victim, can be a highly efficient crime for perpetrators, which has led to its rising occurrence.

“As vehicle owners become more aware of early warning tools and free tracking apps, it is becoming increasingly difficult for criminals to steal a vehicle without detection. A hijacking, however, allows criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents, without needing to override tracking technology,” said Nqcobo.

He added that businesses, in particular, can implement technologies to help mitigate this crime. AI-powered fleet dashcams with facial recognition, 360-degree cameras, safe zone management, cargo doors sensors and a driver assist button for emergencies can alert fleet managers to take immediate action.

“Businesses can also subscribe their drivers to rapid emergency armed response services,” said Ngcobo. According to Tracker, remain calm and co-operate, as life is worth more than your valuables. 

What to do if you are hijacked: 

• Avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers.
• Try not to stall the car as this can antagonise the hijackers.
• Keep your hands up, don’t make sudden gestures and talk through every move, for example, “I am going to take my seat belt off.”
• Look forward as much as possible, because looking around could be misinterpreted as looking for a weapon.
• Try to get away as quickly as possible.
• Report the incident to your tracking company and authorities as soon as possible. 
• Remember to report or cancel any cards that were taken.
• Keep emergency contact numbers in an accessible place at home.

How to avoid becoming a hijack victim: 

• Be aware: Stay alert and be attentive to prevent becoming a victim, avoid distractions such as using your mobile phone andfocus on your driving and your surroundings.
• Look out: hijackers use public places to search for targets, so be aware of who might be watching you at a shopping centre, fuel station and other public places. 
• Watch your back: keep an eye on vehicles behind you. If you think you are being followed, glance over your shoulder or adjust your rear-view mirror. This could persuade your would-be attackers to leave you alone. If not, either head for a police station or drive to a busy area. 
• Share your journey: plan your route and let someone you trust know where you’re going and when to expect you at your destination.
• Stop with caution: be wary of stopping on the side of the road, particularly if you are alone, in a quiet area or at night. Rather, drive to a place of safety, if possible.
• Secure what’s yours: sometimes, a hijacking occurs for the contents of a vehicle rather than the vehicle itself. Lock valuables in the boot or hide them under the seats.