Over the course of last year and the first half of 2024, security groups and insurers have highlighted that hijackings are on the rise, and bright or unusual colours are no longer a deterrent.
Fidelity ADT confirmed that within the Fidelity footprint, the number of hijackings recorded during the first half of 2024 increased compared to the corresponding periods during 2023 and the second half of 2023.
According to data from the South African Police Services (SAPS), there are 66 reported car hijackings every day, marking a significant 34% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The statistics show that approximately half of these incidents take place in Gauteng, while the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal each account for about 14% of the total.
It’s important to highlight that these statistics only cover hijackings involving violence or coercion against the driver.
The data reveals that there are approximately 10,000 vehicle thefts reported per quarter, which amounts to about 40,000 thefts annually.
This information sheds light on the concerning issue of car-related crimes in South Africa.
Vehicle hijackings are often described as largely a business driven by demand and supply. As a result, hijackers target specific vehicles for a specific purpose and market.
Within the Fidelity footprint, these are the top five vehicles currently being targeted:
- White Nissan Almera
- White VW Polo
- White Toyota Hi-Ace
- White Nissan NP200
- Grey/blue/white Toyota Corolla
In the recent past, white and silver vehicles were most often targeted, as per the black market’s demand, which often reflects the mainstream market trends.
However, there has been an increased demand for non-traditional coloured vehicles on the road.
As a result, vehicles with non-traditional colours, including orange and yellow, have started being targeted more regularly.
Traditionally, bright-coloured cars were considered unpopular among hijackers as they stood out easily compared with silver or white cars, making them harder to hide from tracking companies and the authorities.
However, Cartrack, a prominent car-tracking company, said the theft of car components has become more widespread than the theft of entire vehicles.
It said the high demand for affordable, readily available parts on the black market drives this trend, as these parts are easier to conceal and harder to trace than whole cars.
This could explain why colour isn’t much of a deterrent anymore.
This is because experienced syndicates with designated chop shops can dismantle any car in minutes.
Cartrack noted criminals steal vehicle components effortlessly, with four wheels capable of being removed in five minutes, airbags and tailgates in two minutes, and a battery disconnected in as little as one minute.
The tracking company noted that airbags, batteries, tailgates, wheels, and tyres are among the most stolen parts.
Cartrack reported incidents of stolen vehicles that were later found completely stripped, indicating the lucrative trade value of illegal chop shops and stolen car parts, which has been estimated at about R442 million.
This unlawful practice is seen as a quicker and more profitable alternative to reselling stolen vehicles.
Tracker has commented on the latest hijacking hotspots, stating that while shopping malls are still a primary hotspot for thefts in South Africa, their data also shows that sporting and school events are primary hunting grounds for hijackings and car thefts across the country.
Source: BusinessTech