Hijackings and Kidnappings Picking Up
Traffic related crimes seem to be picking up as the festive season comes closer. The North West Police wants to sensitise motorists to be careful of hijackings and kidnappings. Mostly these incidents happen at intersections, robots and stop streets.
Motorists are requested to apply the following precautionary measures:
- Always travel with the doors of the vehicle locked and keep windows closed or, at most open to allow a hand to fit in.
- Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to avoid being boxed in.
- Always be on alert of anybody who approaches your car or is loitering near traffic lights, stop streets, parking areas or your driveway.
- Always monitor what vehicles are travelling behind, ahead and next to you.
- At unusual or unexpected roadblocks, keep windows closed and doors locked and ask the police or traffic officer’s identity card.
- Never park and sit alone in remote or secluded areas.
- Do not stop at a scene of an accident unless you are convinced it is genuine.
- Do not enter a parking area if you suspect you are followed, rather drive to the nearest police station.
- Do not give lifts to hitchhikers or unknown passengers.
- Do not leave your car door open.
- Do not leave your vehicle’s engine running unattended.
The Police’s visibility assists in alleviating these crimes, but motorists’ can also assist in curbing these crimes, especially this festive season.
