By Kaya 959 Reporter
As the country heads towards the festive season, car owners are being urged to be on the lookout for car jammers.
According to car-tracking company, Netstar, data shows a steep increase in car jamming incidents over the past week.
“The pandemic lockdown saw far less travel by South African motorists, and therefore fewer car-jamming incidents,” says the company’s Chief Technology Officer Clifford de Wit.
“However, as we’ve returned to a Level 1 lockdown, and perhaps due to more shopping towards the end of the year, we have seen a rise in car-jamming.”
De Wit says their figures show that there was a gradual decline throughout the year. However, since the middle of November, car-jamming events have increased by 66,6%.
“Remote jamming stops the vehicle [from] receiving signals from your remote,” explains de Wit.
“It is like a noise in a room – anyone can talk, but the noise prevents people from hearing,” he says.
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De Wit has advised motorists to consider installing jamming-resistance devices on their vehicles.
“There is technology that can proactively prevent crime and enhance safety and peace of mind for motorists.
“Tracking and jamming-prevention technology can detect and resist signals from potential jamming devices near where your vehicle is parked,” he says.
Here’s a look at what De Wit says motorists should do to avoid falling prey to car-jamming incidents:
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Listen for the sound your car makes when it locks. Wait and watch the car lights flash to indicate it is locked.
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Physically check that your vehicle is locked, using the door handle. Don’t simply press your vehicle remote and walk away.
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Park as close to the entrance of shopping centres as possible. There are usually crowds in this area, and security cameras.
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If you have difficulty locking your car, move your car to a safer spot, or leave.
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Always be aware of your surroundings. If you see any suspicious individuals around the parking area, notify security.
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