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 The nine commandments of anti-hijacking
    November 02 2009 at 07:13AM Get IOL on your
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By Bronwyn Gerretsen

Police and vehicle tracking companies have warned that motorists are most at risk of being hijacked in their driveways.

They also advise motorists to constantly be alert, as hijackers choose their victims by their state of mind.

Tracker spokesperson Gareth Crocker said more than half the hijackings the company dealt with happened in driveways.

Westville police spokesperson Stephen Clark, who also presents anti-hijacking seminars to companies, gave the following "nine commandments of anti-hijacking":

  • Route change:

    This reduces the chance of hijacking by 50 percent.

  • Observation:

    Be conscious of what is happening around and ahead of you. Then take action.

  • Keep moving:

    This reduces the chance of hijacking by 97 percent. At intersections, slow down to allow the traffic light to change instead of rushing up to a robot and sitting like a rat in a trap.
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  • Keep doors locked:

    Criminals choose the path of least resistance. Keep valuables out of sight to avoid smash-and-grabs.

  • Stop a safe distance from whatever is in front of you:

    A safe distance is the distance it takes you to get out in one manoeuvre.

  • Reverse-park:

    Reverse into parking bays so you can make a speedy exit if necessary. Parents must keep their children with them until all items are loaded in the car.

  • Electric gates:

    Park parallel to your electric gates while they are opening to avoid being blocked in by hijackers.

  • Cut bushes:

    Cut bushes and/or clear the lower branches and foliage to eliminate hiding places.

  • Children:

    Train and disciplined children in the car. You cannot be observant for outside threats while refereeing fights on the back seat. Teach them to obey the order "Get out of the car". If you have babies in car seats, don't give the hijacker an option - say "I am taking my baby out of the car".



      • This article was originally published on page 4 of The Mercury on November 02, 2009
    • Showing page 1 of 1 comment pages, 5 total comments
    2 Weeks ago Shoot to Kill wrote :
    I agree with anonymous, if they're armed and pointing firearms at you or anyone else then you have every legal right to shoot, and to shoot to kill, but add the following advice. Don't have you gun in your handbag or in a leg holster. Place it somewhere easy to hand, and fire from concealment. Don't waste time or motion bringing the gun up into the hijacker's line of sight. Remember that the panel of a door offers very little resistance to a firearm at close range and if the hijacker is standing on the otherside of the door the first shot, even if it misses, will panic them. That gives you valuable seconds to fire again. The door panel can be replaced, your life and the lives of your family cannot. In most cases the hijackers will simple flee, this isn't what they signed up for, and it's simply too much trouble. Also remember that even if you aren't armed you car itself is a weapon, and one capable of exerting considerable force. A half a ton of car accelerating in first gear is more than capable of exerting lethal force. These hijackers have proven that they will kill even if you comply. You really have nothing to lose.
    2 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
    Eishhhh said: "if you draw a gun, they will also shoot to kill. and you might just get yourself and your loved ones killed,,, ". That is true, and there is a VERY good chance you'll die if you dont pull out your gun. Take the chance, train and be prepared.
    2 Weeks ago Anonymous wrote :
    Sad state of affairs,after ten years instead of improving the peoples lives in South Africa, The ruling parties are so far away from their promises, it has become apartheid in reverse...There is a God no matter thet you dont believe. He freed you and he can destroy you too...Our creator is watching ANC God has used you to punish the Nationalists...He can take you down using someone worse than you...You can stop!!!
    2 Weeks ago Eishhh! wrote :
    Oh save the queen.... if you draw a gun, they will also shoot to kill. and you might just get yourself and your loved ones killed,,,
    2 Weeks ago Thabo wrote :
    I think they forgot one tip: If you have a gun, use it. These criminals are barbarians and should be treated as such.
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