6 Top Tips to keep yourself and your Car Safe

South Africa may be a beautiful place, but it is overrun with crime, from simple crimes like muggings and pick-pocketing to more serious offenses like hijacking and burglary.

One specific crime that is continuously rising is vehicle theft and hijackings. More experienced criminals are now not only targeting vehicle that are left unattended but also vehicles that still have people in them! This can be a scary experience – here are 6 top tips to make sure you’re not the next target!

Be aware of your surroundings – If you can only visit the store late after working hours and you notice that your car is the only one in the parking lot, always be ready and alert. Hold your keys ready in your hand and if possible carry pepper spray along with you. Should your gut tell you that someone may be following you – turn around and head to the nearest open establishment.

Make sure you’re not being followed – Keep the music volume low and be alert when you are approaching your home, also be on the lookout for anyone suspicious lurking around. Make sure to pay special attention when it is dark as criminals often hide behind things like dustbins and bushes. If you think someone may be hiding and waiting, rather alert your neighbourhood crime watch, police or press the SOS button on the PatrolMan app.

Always lock your car – These days people don’t even look back as they walk away and press the immobiliser button. Do not walk away, rather stand by your car and make sure it is in fact locked. Criminals often use jamming devices to jam signals and then take advantage of the opportunity to steal your car or the valuables inside.

Never leave your valuables in plain sight – Criminals will be attracted to your car if they look inside and see your smartphone, laptop, wallet, handbag or shopping bags in visible view. Even if you are driving in slow moving traffic or you’re stopped at a traffic light – keep your valuables out of sight like under the seat or in the boot.

Keep in the middle – As your approach busy intersections, always try and keep in the middle lane. Criminals are less likely to attack vehicles in the middle land as it is more difficult to get away, they’d rather target those on the outer lanes.

Stay away from crime hotspots – Even if your journey is a few minutes longer, rather take another route and avoid driving through high crime risk areas. If you cannot avoid the area, be alert and keep a wide distance when you approach traffic lights and stop streets.

Should you ever be approached by hijackers – try not to panic! Simple stay calm and do as they say as quickly as possible. Your life is worth a lot more than your car.