Hijacking Awareness Guide | How to reduce the risk

3. How to reduce the risk

While there is no guarantee what action will prevent hijacking, practising the following common sense techniques can reduce the risk:

3.1 When Entering Your Vehicle and While Driving:

Have your key ready, but not visible.
Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking.
Know your destination and directions to it, and be alert should you get lost.
Always drive with your windows and doors locked and/or closed.
Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the vicinity while driving.
When dropping a passenger off, make sure that they are safely in their own vehicles before departing.
Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
Avoid driving late at night at/or the early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible.
If possible, never drive alone.
NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers.
Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular basis.
Do not leave windows open more than 5cm.

3.2 When Parking Your Vehicle:

Check rear-view mirror to ensure that you are not being followed.
When returning home after dark, ensure that there is an outside light on, or have someone meet you at the door.
When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
Never sit in your parked car without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationery vehicle is particularly dangerous.
When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons.

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