Inside this issue...

-    Holiday hijackings to increase!
-    Are you and your car in danger?
-    So what can you do about it?

Dear reader,

Safety is our by-word, and as such I feel compelled to inform you of anything that means keeping you and your employees safe. This includes both hazards in and out of the office. I also promised to keep you up-to-date this month on hazards that are particular to the holiday season. When I saw a recent article in IOL.co.za, I knew I had to share it with you…

Holiday hijackings to increase!

This is apparently because “…everyone wants money for Christmas.”

According to Bronwyn Gerretsen’s article, there are currently 15 to 20 hijackings daily in the Durban South region alone!

Are you and your car in danger?

- Vehicles such as VW Polos, Jettas, bakkies, 4X4s and luxury vehicles are popular targets
- Trucks and delivery vehicles are targeted for their cargo, especially at this time of year
  when shops are receiving deliveries for the festive season
- Hijackers don’t hijack vehicles to order: they will drive around and spot a vehicle, and
  discuss whether they can easily hijack it, and sell it
- New models aren’t popular: hijackers will steal the previous model
- Polos and Yarises are popular because their engines and gear boxes are expensive
- There’s a new trend where hijackers are targeting vehicles delivering cigarettes

So what can you do about it?

Use the following tips to minimise your risk of being involved in a hijacking, or losing your car…

Tip #1: Install a tracking device

Hijackers will be forced to store your vehicle somewhere and wait. This will give you an opportunity to recover your vehicle.

Tip #2: Be vigilant at intersections

Hijackers often stand at intersections, well-dressed and “looking like they have a purpose”, such as talking on a cell phone. Be extra careful late at night, and if you’re on your own.

Tip #3: Don’t fight back

Hijackers are very nervous; one wrong move and they will shoot. Give them the car and don’t make any sudden movements. Officers have reported that some hijackers took drugs or drank alcohol, so this will increase their erratic behaviour – DON’T provoke them!

In the name of safety,

Christel Fouché
Editor-In-Chief: Health and Safety Advisor