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Hijack Information |
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HIJACK PREVENTION
GUIDELINES:
Introduction:
It
has become increasingly difficult to steal motor vehicles, with
all the anti-theft devices, such as immobilisers, gear-locks,
etc. These steps have resulted in a dramatic increase in
vehicle hijackings. The hijacker has the element of surprise
and this is a concern. The increasing retrenchment and the high
unemployment figures are also factors. This is easy earned
money and the already well-established syndicates will buy these
vehicles from the hijacker. Vehicle hijacking is an organised
business, run according to business principles and based on
thorough planning. Specific vehicles with specific
characteristics are ordered beforehand and efforts have to be
made to meet the requirements of such orders. These vehicles
will then be resold to the already predetermined buyer.
The
hijacked vehicles that are not sold to buyers in South Africa,
will be smuggled out of the country. These vehicles will be
sold in our neighbouring countries or trade, exchanged for
drugs.
The
large number of stolen and unlicensed firearms is also a
concern. Most of these firearms are bought or supplied to the
robbers by the syndicates. This easy access to firearms make
the robbery of a vehicle the easiest crime to commit and by far
the quickest way of earning a few thousand rand.
It
is obvious that vehicle hijackers are motivated by greed and an
insatiable need for more and more comfort, rather than need. An
insatiable hunger for power is another theme emerging in
robbers. The power-base for the latter is presented by the
access to firearms. Possession of a firearm forces everybody to
obey or else face the consequences.
Definition:
Vehicle hijacking forms one of the sub-categories of armed
robbery and does not constitute a different crime from armed
robbery. Perpetrators would consequently be charged with “robbery
with aggravating circumstances” in court, and not with “vehicle
hijacking”. Robbery with aggravating circumstances can be
defined as the unlawful, intentional and violent removal and
appropriation of movable corporeal property belonging to
another. The victim’s resistance has to be overcome and the
property obtained by the use of violence against the victim’s
person.
If
the victim is first injured by the perpetrator and then
dispossessed of property while being physically incapacitated,
armed robbery is likewise committed. However, the victim needs
not necessarily be physically incapacitated. In the absence of
actual physical violence, a threat to commit violence against
the victim is sufficient. The threat of violence may be of an
express or implied nature. Vehicle hijacking neatly fits the
above definition, with the property involved being specifically
a motor vehicle of some kind.
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Days of the week and time of day in which hijackings occurred:
Hijacking of vehicles reached its lowest point at 02h00 in the
morning. Hijackings are low during the night and early hours of
the morning, and start increasing at 06h00 due to motorists
leaving home for work and stabilises throughout the day.
A drastic increase occurred from 17h00 in
the afternoon due to motorists heading towards home. Vehicles
hijacked during this peak hour (16h00
– 20h00)
may be explained by the fact that people returning from work are
often tired, frustrated and not alert to potentially threatening
circumstances. Negligence on behalf of the motorist could also
not be excluded, e.g. an idling vehicle is left
unattended to open a gate in the driveway. This trend is not
new and the motorist will become the prey of hijackers.
Another explanation for this phenomenon is that highways are
congested with traffic, which make it almost impossible to catch
hijackers involved without air support once they have
disappeared into traffic.
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Weapons used during
hijackings:
As
it was earlier indicated, in the majority of vehicle hijackings,
firearms were used to commit the crime. Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu
Natal reported the highest incidence of vehicle hijacking. The
circulation of illegal firearms in South Africa is disturbing
and has to have a direct influence on the increase of vehicle
hijackings and violent crime in general in South Africa.
The
trade in stolen firearms is a lucrative industry in South Africa
and the rewards seem to justify the risk of apprehension for the
criminals involved. The punishment of crimes does not seem to
have a deterrent effect on potential criminals anymore.
The
analysis indicates that firearms most used are pistols and
revolvers. A very small percentage of vehicle hijackings are
committed using knifes, hands, high caliber guns and shotguns.
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When to Shoot:
What exactly are the legal
requirements of self-defense? The following points are
important:
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The attack must be unlawful
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The attack must be imminent or
have commenced.
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The attack must not have been
completed. One cannot act on grounds of self-defense for an
attack committed an hour earlier.
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The defensive action must be
directed against the attacker.
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The defensive action must be
proportionate to the circumstances. The value of property
involved and the instrument used for attack are important
considerations.
The test used by the court to
determine the lawfulness of the defensive action is that of a
reasonable man. The question to be asked is whether a
reasonable man in the same position would have done the same
thing.
In all cases where a person is
killed, the matter is investigated to establish if anyone was
responsible for the death. This is the point when people
perceive they are being charged with murder by the police and
believe they cannot defend themselves against an unlawful attack
without being charged. If your action is within the principles
of self-defense, there is nothing to worry about.
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Types of hijackings:
Freight Hijacking – A
commercial vehicle is hijacked not only to secure the vehicle
but also its cargo, which can be of substantial value.
Frequently, the cargo is of more interest to the hijacker than
the truck.
Transport Hijacking –
The vehicle is taken for the express purpose of using it as
transport during other crimes such as drug dealing, burglaries,
bank robberies and gun running. The vehicles are probably later
cannibalised for spare parts or simply dumped.
Showmanship Hijacking –
A gang operates out of egotistical bravado, acting on the “this
is a cool thing to be doing” rationale. Peer group pressure is
very high and individuals may be coerced into more dangerous and
daredevil approaches; being labeled a “sissy” if they don’t.
Thus intimidation, violence and vandalism are associated with
the crime. Drugs and alcohol may also be a motive as theft of
the victim’s personal belongings is commonplace.
Operational Hijacking –
A group formally work together in a more structured way. They
usually have experience in car theft and have established
contacts within the motorcar underworld that will receive and
pay cash for stolen vehicles or spare parts.
Syndicate Hijacking –
The most organised of all and often has international
connections. A network of hijacking groups is established with
the overall coordinator, syndicating out work so that he remains
out of view in exactly the same way as the drug baron uses
pushers. This makes identifying and arresting the ultimate boss
very difficult. Additionally, a syndicate is often backed by a
lot of money, especially if there are international links and
makes full use of any potential to bribe the authorities in
order to protect their operations.
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Modus Operandi
used by the hijackers:
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Most hijackings take place in the driveways of residential
areas. These hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape
routes.
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Hijackings take place while stationed at any traffic sign or
intersection.
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Hijackings take place while stationary next to the road,
e.g. to answer cell phone.
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Hijackings also occur at post offices and parking areas or you
may be followed leaving the filling station with the objective
to hijack your vehicle where it is quiet.
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The hijackers sometimes use a vehicle to force the victim off
the road.
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Hijackings take place at schools when dropping off / picking
up children.
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Hijackings take place while the vehicle is idling when
off-loading / loading passengers.
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Hijackings take place when advertising your vehicle for sale
(Test drive method).
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Bogus Police or Traffic Officers also conduct
hijackings (Blue light scenario).
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HOW TO AVOID A HIJACK
SITUATION:
Approaching
and entering your driveway:
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2km from your house strategy. Be extra alert. Switch
off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. If
you have noticed any vehicle behind you, use the techniques
you have learned during the hijack prevention & survival
course to determine whether you are being followed.
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Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate
and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This
creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate
to close completely behind you.
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Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your
premises.
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Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery
where perpetrators can hide.
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Be
aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address
– do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
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Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
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Be
aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants
inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
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Be
alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual.
It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
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Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway
is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
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When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light
is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your
armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous
services.
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If
at any time you have to open the gate yourself, switch off the
vehicle, leave the key in the ignition and close the door.
Then open the gate.
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If
you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you
(this is the only exception). You need the key as a
“negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and
you want your children.
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If
your children are older, it is advised that they exit the
vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all
separated from the vehicle should a hijack occur.
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Parking your vehicle:
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Check rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
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When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of
surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing
a hijacker.
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Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of
your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is
particularly dangerous.
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When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for
suspicious vehicles / persons. This is very important as the
majority of hijackers approach their victims in home
driveways.
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Whilst entering your vehicle and while driving, the following
should be considered:
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Have your key ready, but not visible.
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Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before
unlocking. (Tyre, tyre, number plate, other side of the
vehicle – as explained during the hijack prevention &
survival course).
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Know your destination and directions to it; and be alert
should you get lost.
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Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
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Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the vicinity.
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When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle
length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if
necessary.
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When dropping off a passenger, make sure they are safely in
their own vehicle before departing.
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Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
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Avoid driving late at night / early hours of the morning when
the roads are quiet.
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Drive in the center lane away from pedestrians where possible.
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If
possible, never drive alone.
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NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers or strangers. (VERY
IMPORTANT)
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Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular
basis.
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Other situations:
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If
approached by a stranger while in your vehicle, drive off if
possible or use your hooter to attract attention.
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Lock your doors, close your windows and do not have bags or
briefcases visible in the vehicle. Use the boot for this.
Cell phone should also not be visible.
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There are times and days that these items are visible in the
vehicle. Try and open the window they might “smash & grab”
about 3 cm, so the window can absorb the sudden impact. If
you’ve left your stopping distance you may be able to escape.
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Be
constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters or
vehicles and do not hesitate to report them to the SAPS.
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Always be on the alert for potential danger, and be on the
lookout for possible escape routes and safe refuge along the
way.
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When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so
that you only reach it when it turns green.
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Do
not take anything from people standing at traffic lights or
places where they gather (job seekers on gathering points).
Perpetrators are usually standing among these people.
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Make sure you are not followed. If you suspect you are being
followed, drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy
public area.
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If
any person or vehicle in a high-risk area arouses your
suspicions, treat it as hostile and take appropriate action,
e.g. when approaching a red traffic light, slow down,
check for oncoming traffic and if clear, drive through the
intersection. A fine will be preferable to an attack. Treat
stop streets in the same way. Thereafter call for assistance
if necessary. Always report these incidents to the SAPS.
But remember, this is not an excuse to ignore the rules of the
road. The onus will be on you to prove in a court of law that
you had justifiable reason to act the way you did and this is
only in the case of a real, life-threatening emergency.
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Should a suspicious vehicle in fact be a (unmarked) SAPS
vehicle, the Police must identify themselves by:
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Use of a blue light, loudspeaker or any other police
equipment.
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The flash of a badge through the window whilst driving is
not enough.
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The Police must go all out in order to let the public know
who they are.
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Consider
the following actions:
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Switch on emergency lights and put your hand out the window
(if possible), indicating that they should follow you.
Your intention must be very clear and understandable.
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By exceeding the speed limit, you are sending out a message
of suspicion, e.g. stolen / hijacked vehicle,
transporting stolen goods, under the influence.
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Drive to the nearest Police Station or when in doubt, the
nearest busy public area.
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Always have your identity document and driver’s license in
your possession as well as a pen and notebook to take
necessary notes.
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If
possible, avoid driving in the dark. Hijackers may stage a
minor accident, for e.g. If your vehicle is bumped from
behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual
involved in the situation, indicate he / she must follow you
and drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public
area for help.
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Never open your vehicle window or door for any stranger. If a
suspicious person is near your unoccupied vehicle, do not
approach the vehicle. Walk to the nearest public area and ask
for assistance.
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If
you encounter obstacles in the road, e.g. rocks, tyres, do not
get out of your vehicle to remove them. Reverse and drive
away in the opposite direction.
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Do
not stop to eat or rest on deserted roads.
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Do
not leave your vehicle unattended at a filling station.
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Cell phones should be carried on the body. Perpetrators will
not allow you to remove your cell phone and valuables from the
vehicle during an attack.
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Information you should
know:
If
your vehicle is hijacked or stolen, promptly report it to the
SAPS. Make sure you have the vehicle details: model, color,
vehicle identification and registration numbers available to
assist with the recovery of the vehicle.
When forced to drive with a hijacker, be observant without
making direct eye contact and try to memorise as many details as
possible.
It
is important to describe the hijacker as accurately as
possible. When observing a hijacker, take note of his head and
face – the shape of the eyes, mouth, nose and ears. Take note
of possible irregularities. Look at the hair, skin color,
complexion and possible scars and tattoos. Observe the build,
sex, body movement, clothing and any conversation that may take
place.
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Remember the direction from which they came and fled, as well
as the time and place the incident happened.
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Remember to make mental and physical notes immediately after
the incident to ensure accurate and detailed information for
the Police investigation.
Taken hostage - It can
be helpful to have a survival plan in the back of your mind
should such an incident occur. It is difficult not to become
paranoid about being taken hostage. However, it is just as easy
to become complacent.
One
very important fact to remember when being hijacked:
Should the conclusion of
the drama be by way of armed intervention, and escape is not
possible, immediately drop to the ground, remain still and obey
the orders of the leader.
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If confronted:
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Do
not lose your temper, threaten or challenge the hijacker.
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DO EXACTLY AS TOLD BY THE HIJACKERS!
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Do
not resist, especially if the hijacker has a weapon.
Surrender your vehicle and move away. Try to put as much
distance between yourself and the hijacker(s) as speedily as
possible.
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Do
not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything in
the vehicle.
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Try to remain calm at all times and do not show signs of
aggression.
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Be
compliant to all demands set by the perpetrator.
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Do
not make eye contact with the hijacker. He may perceive this
behavior as a threat and retaliate aggressively.
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Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, so as to
give him assurance of your passive content.
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Do
not speak too fast (if you are able to talk) and do not make
sudden movements.
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Gather as much information as possible without posing a
threat:
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How many people?
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How many firearms and description thereof?
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What were the perpetrators wearing (clothing)?
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To which direction did they drive off?
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Take note of the language they use (the accent).
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First phone the SA Police Service on 08600 10111. They
will dispatch the medical services if needed. Other emergency
numbers you could phone are 112 ANY Network (Vodacom+MTN+Cell
C) or 147 Vodacom ONLY.
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Activate the vehicle-tracking device, if the vehicle is fitted
with one.
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The Effects of Trauma:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
This is the term given to a
particular range and combination of reactions following trauma.
Reactions following trauma can be divided into three main
groups:
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Re-experiencing
the event
– a feeling that you are experiencing the
original event all over again, through memories intruding into
your waking or sleeping life.
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Arousal
reactions
– you feel persistently aroused, nervous,
agitated sense, anxious, tense, unable to settle or
concentrate, over-reacting very sharply to small things and
especially, having trouble sleeping.
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Avoidance
reactions
– you make frantic efforts to avoid anything that could remind
you of the trauma, or cause you to think or talk about it in
any way. You may shut down your feelings about other people
and things you normally care about and keep to yourself. You
may feel unusually withdrawn and emotionally numb.
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Five stages of trauma /
loss:
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Denial
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Anger
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Bargaining
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Depression
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Acceptance
The following is some general
advice to help you cope with trauma in general and
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in particular:
Do:
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Express your emotions.
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Talk about what has happened
as often as you need to. Seek trauma counselling.
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Try to keep your life as
normal as possible by following daily routines.
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Find opportunities to review
the experience.
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Look to friends and colleagues
for support.
Don’t:
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Use alcohol, nicotine or other
drugs to hide your feelings.
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Simply stay away from work or
isolate yourself. Seek help and support instead (counselling).
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Allow anger and irritability
to mask your feelings.
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Hide your feelings and be
afraid to ask for help.
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Think your feelings are a sign
of weakness.
Remember that
your life is worth more than your vehicle!
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For more information on the
Hijack Prevention & Survival Course, please contact:
Richard &
Melinda Brussow
Cell:
073 161 2344
Tel:
(012)
661-1388
Fax:
0866 317 527
Email:
nhpa@hijack.co.za
Website:
www.hijack.co.za
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