By: Natasha Archary
South African drivers are being warned of a new hijacking trend that targets motorists whilst waiting for food at drive-thrus.
The warning from Fidelty ADT stresses the importance of extreme vigilance whilst parked waiting in queues at drive-thrus or at the mall.
According to the security company, as the festive season approaches, criminals are seizing every opportunity to rob or hijack people.
Opportunistic crimes are becoming more common in the country and drivers are urged to be aware of the latest technique that puts one at risk while waiting outside fast-food establishments.
Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelty ADT shared that not only is there is an increase in hijackings across the country but that a vehicle is stolen every 22-minutes.
“We are increasingly starting to see a concerning trend where criminals target unsuspecting patrons at drive-thru establishments. Typically as you get to the front of the queue, armed suspects from the vehicle in front of you get out and attempt to hijack you.
There are usually two cars involved. the vehicle behind you blocks your car in so you can’t try to reverse and get away.”
What’s more is that when people are often distracted whilst waiting in a drive-thru by their children, their cellphones etc.
Drivers are reminded of the following safety tips by Fidelty ADT:
• Keep your bag in the boot – have your cash and card on hand for quick payment.
• Only use well-frequented drive-thrus and avoid any retail establishments which are dimly lit or isolated at night.
• Try and only order food at peak times when patronage is at its highest.
• Keep all your windows and doors closed while waiting for your order.
• If possible don’t take the children with you to the drive-thru as they can be distracting.
• Whilst waiting check your rear-view mirrors and do not be distracted by music or /cell phones.
• If you suspect you could be a victim of a hijacking start pressing your hooter a number of times. Generally, hijackers do not like this kind of attention which draws interest.
• If your children are with you, the eldest child should always be seated behind the driver and the younger child to the left – both in the back seat.
• If you are hijacked while your children are in the car, climb out of the vehicle slowly and move to the back door directly behind the driver’s door. Place one foot firmly in the car, on the floor behind the driver’s seat, as you lean across to retrieve the youngest child. The eldest child will probably cling to you and you can get both children out of the car at once. Remember to stay as calm as possible.
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