[imagesource: Blue Security]

Happy Monday.

Let’s lighten the mood with some crime stats, shall we?

South African Police Service (SAPS) stats show that between January and March 2022, a car was hijacked every 25 minutes.

Our roads are populated with no shortage of Toyotas and VWs so I’m not really surprised their models are often targeted.

Vehicle tracking service Netstar recently stated that key re-programmers and signal grabbers remain a common tactic for hijackers to gain access to vehicles, but they are broadening their horizons.

More from BusinessTech:

…criminals are developing new methods to target cars that use more technology, such as cars with start buttons.

This applies to some vehicles where you have the key on you, and you simply push the “start” button to drive the vehicle. These vehicles also unlock when you approach it without you having to press the unlock button, noted Netstar.

There are also the usual blue light gang methods, where crooks pose as law enforcement, as well as the ‘tap tap trap’ and intentionally deflating tyres or stealing licence plates.

Data from security firm Fidelity Secure Drive shows which models are most often targeted:

• Toyota Hilux
• Volkswagen Polo
• Toyota Quantum
• Nissan NP200

White or silver-grey Toyota Hiluxes and Volkswagen Polos were the most hijacked cars.

One should pay particular attention to Thursdays and Fridays as those days have shown the highest number of reported hijackings.

The times between 6AM and 9AM and 6PM to midnight during peak traffic hours, especially where there is reduced visibility, are particularly at risk.

Although, as with everything else in this country, it pays to remain vigilant at all times.

Crime doesn’t really take a day off.

[source:bustech]