With over 60% of hijackings still taking place in driveways, South African’s need to readjust their thinking and get pro- active about avoiding situations that make them vulnerable to hijackings. This is the view of Roy Rawlins, Managing Director of ADT Central Region. “South Africans must not become complacent about hijackings as they are unfortunately still a reality in suburbs across Johannesburg. Cunning criminals are targeting people mostly when they arrive home and we want to encourage residents to be alert and get educated on what to do should they find themselves in a hijacking situation. It is for this reason that we have embarked on a drive to bring Richard Brussow, founder of the Hijack Prevention Academy, to various suburbs around Johannesburg to speak to residents about hijackings. He delivers a powerful message which arms resident with valuable information pertaining to hijackers and their modus operandi,” he says. 

Rawlins believes that the best way to avoid a hijacking is to know your environment and get to know who belongs in the vicinity of your home or workplace and who does not. “Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters or vehicles and do not hesitate to report them to the SAPS or your security provider. Always be on the alert for potential danger and trust your instinct, especially if you believe you are being followed,” he says. 

• To reduce the risk of hijackings, Rawlins offers the following tips to residents:
• Have your key ready, but not visible.
• Inspect your surroundings and vehicle before unlocking it.
• 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.
• Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
• Change your routes on a regular basis.

“If you find yourself in a hijacking situation, always put the safety of you and your passengers first, no matter how outraged you may feel at the time. Do nothing that is going to alarm the hijackers. Never initiate any movement yourself. This may give the hijacker the impression that you are reaching for a gun or panic button. Remember â€" the hijackers will be as nervous, if not more so, than you. Keep your hands clearly visible and as still as possible, ideally at chest level,” says Rawlins. 

For more advice on how to deal with a hijacking and ways to avoid hijackings, Rawlins encourages residents to attend the anti-hijacking presentation in their area. “If we haven’t as yet brought the presentation to your area, please speak to your local ADT area manager and we will gladly consider your request. We want this anti-hijacking information to reach all residents. It could make all the difference for residents who find themselves in a hijacking situation,” he concludes.