As the year 2023 came to a close, Tracker South Africa revealed concerning statistics indicating a notable surge in hijackings and car thefts across the nation. Drawing from data sourced from Tracker’s extensive network of over 1.1 million subscriptions, the latest Vehicle Crime Index painted a grim picture of the rising vehicle crime incidents, particularly during certain events and times.
The Vehicle Crime Index highlighted a significant uptick in hijackings and car thefts from July to December 2023, raising alarms for South African motorists. At a national level, hijackings continued to dominate, constituting 55% of all vehicle crime incidents, with thefts accounting for the remaining 45%.
Gauteng emerged as the province most afflicted by vehicle crimes, comprising 61% of the total reported incidents, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 14% and the Western Cape at 9%. Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker, underscored the gravity of the situation, pointing out the parallel between Tracker’s data and the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for 2023.
Ngcobo emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, particularly during peak shopping periods, urging citizens to prioritize personal safety over material possessions. Despite shopping malls remaining notorious hotspots for thefts, recent data has pinpointed sporting and schooling events as emerging focal points for hijackings and car thefts.
Incidents such as the attempted hijacking of a deputy principal in Durban and the kidnapping of a principal in the Free State underscore the severity of the issue. Ngcobo shed light on the temporal aspect of vehicle theft, revealing that Fridays between 15:00 and 22:00 pose a higher risk for hijackings, while Saturdays between 11:00 and 15:00 witness increased vehicle thefts.
Moreover, specific vehicle models are targeted more frequently, with bakkies and hatchbacks being the primary victims due to their popularity both locally and in neighboring African countries. This trend is corroborated by Fidelity Services Group, which identified Toyota and Volkswagen as the preferred car brands among South African motorists.
Statista’s data further solidifies this observation, indicating that Toyota constituted 32% of reported hijackings in 2023, followed by Volkswagen at 14%. The prevalence of these brands in vehicle hijackings underscores the underlying economic dynamics driving this criminal activity.
In light of these alarming trends, South Africans are urged to exercise caution and implement preventive measures to safeguard against potential threats. Enhanced security protocols, such as installing tracking devices and adhering to safety guidelines during events, can mitigate the risk of falling victim to vehicle crimes.
Furthermore, fostering community awareness and collaboration can bolster efforts to combat this pervasive issue. By remaining vigilant and proactive, individuals can contribute to creating safer environments for themselves and their communities amidst the growing threat of vehicle-related crimes in South Africa.
