Many South Africans enjoy a fun night out with their loved ones. Sadly, when the fun is over, driving home alone at night can be anxiety-inducing. You never know what you may encounter, like a hijacking or a smash-and-grab.
Hijackings, smash-and-grabs, and car theft are three of the most common vehicle crimes in this country. Where you live doesn’t matter; you may be in a high-risk area.
As a vehicle owner it is important to protect your assets when on the road or at home. Having a reliable stolen vehicle recovery provider is essential when you live in a high risk area. Before we dig deeper, let’s unpack what factors contribute to high-risk zones.
Some specific spaces and places are more threatening than others. Learning about them could save your life and protect your possessions.
You should avoid isolated nature sites, reserves, and routes leading to townships in rural areas. One high-risk rural area that is not isolated is Umlazi Township, a high-density area prone to car crime.
Specific rural areas include:
Busy urban areas: There are some busy urban areas where the noise and number of people conceal crime, such as public transport hubs. These areas are high-risk for public transport users and pedestrians. Congested and busy intersections act as smokescreens for auto thieves, while highway congestion hides carjackers.
Isolated urban areas: These unsafe spaces include isolated inner-city roads and parking spaces.
Specific high-risk urban areas include:
While we have covered areas focused squarely on vehicle crime, it is no secret that South Africa’s criminal activity is broad in range and high in violence.
According to Numbeo’s Mid-year 2024 Crime Index by City, while Pretoria has a crime index score of 81.9, Pietermaritzburg is actually number one with an 82.5 score. After this comes Durban, Nelson Mandela Bay, Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), and Cape Town, all of which have unique issues.
With all this crime, it is essential to stay educated and empowered. Read the following, which focuses on how to stay updated on high-risk areas.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics, in the third quarter of 2023/24, Gauteng accounted for 3010 hijackings. This is a terrifying reality for any vehicle owner in South Africa. However, the more you learn about high-risk zones, the more you can protect yourself.
Read below to learn about two significant factors that make an area high risk.
Time of Day
There are many factors to consider when linking time with potential crime rates, we need to consider intention and possibility. For example hijackers target people coming home from work who leave their cars in driveways with open gates according to The South African. Highway congestion also hides these criminals, making it easier for them to perform carjackings without being caught.
The Arrive Alive (AA) alleges that hijacking also rises during the early morning rush, starting at 06:00, and then peaks again at midday due to the traffic volume. The early morning traffic is caused by people going to work, while many individuals take lunchtime at 12:00 or run errands.
This is evidence that vigilance is necessary at all times of day, and that it is dependent on where and when you are driving your vehicle.
Location
Urban and rural areas are both at risk in their own way. Busy streets and public transportation hubs can be risky in urban areas. Driveways in residential areas are also singled out, as hijackers like to target homeowners as they enter their homes. Metropolitan regions, dimly lit parking lots, and isolated roads should be avoided. Many isolated spaces in rural areas, such as parking lots and roads, make it easy for thieves to move in.
To stay informed about high-risk areas, note the following vital information. Taking these precautions and staying educated can reduce the risk of losing your car, life, or loved ones.
Beyond information, street smarts are just as necessary. Read the points below to learn how to remain safe from vehicle crime.
These points cover some ways to remain safe from vehicle crime. However, you should continually educate yourself on this topic.
Here are three ways you can look after yourself from these possible incidents.
Cartrack’s Stolen Vehicle Recovery relies on advanced technology to locate and return your vehicle should anyone steal it. We use data from a vehicle tracking device, which we install discreetly in your car with our advanced fitment techniques. The tracking device’s GPS signal will then be able to locate where your stolen car is in real-time.
We go in with our expertly trained specialists, including air recovery teams, who work alongside the local authorities.
In the unlikely event that we won’t be able to retrieve your vehicle, we provide a cash-back warranty of up to R150,000. (Ts and C’s apply).
You can even buy our Stolen Vehicle Recovery solution as part of a wider package that provides even more add-on features. Find out more below.
CarWatch and Protector are only two of many add-on features included in some of our vehicle tracking solutions packages. You can learn more about them below.
Contact us today and protect yourself with Cartrack.
Q: What is the most high-risk vehicle in South Africa?
A: According to Business Link, between April and June of 2023, sedans, hatchbacks, and coupés were the most stolen vehicles, with 2591 taken altogether. Following this were 1582 bakkies, 335 station wagons, 280 mini-buses, 225 motorbikes, and 168 trucks. Lastly, there were 88 panel vans, 13 business vehicles, seven industrial machinery vehicles, and one trailer.
Q: What is the most stolen part of a car?
A: In July 2024, Speaking to IOL, MiWay spokesperson Siyakha Masiye claimed that tyres, batteries, tailgates, and airbags are some of the most stolen car parts, as they are difficult to trace and easy to conceal.
He also revealed that repeatedly stolen accessories include vehicle mirrors, headlights, sound equipment, and wheel caps.
Discover the high-risk areas in South Africa, including insights on crime hotspots, safety concerns, and tips for staying secure while traveling or living in the region.
