As crime and unemployment increase and the
festive season approaches, hijackings and increases in opportunistic crime traditionally
increase. This year however there is a new trend emerging.
Fidelity ADT
are warning of a new modus operandi where motorists are being targeted while
buying food at drive-through establishments.
Charnel Hatting, Group Head of marketing and communications for Fidelity ADT, says: “We are increasingly starting to see a
concerning trend where criminals target unsuspecting patrons at drive-through
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 your
vehicle. There are usually two cars involved, the vehicle behind you, blocks in
your car when you try and reverse.”
Motorists need to be vigilant and be aware of their
surroundings. People tend to relax while queuing, often distracted by the task
at hand and excited children.
Fidelity ADT offers the following safety tips:
- Keep your bag in the boot – have your cash and
card on hand for quick payment. - Only use well-frequented drive-throughs 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 through 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 you have a panic button on your tracking
device, now would be the time to activate it. Better to be safe than sorry. - 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.
“Remember as we move closer to the festive season, this type
of opportunistic crime will unfortunately be on the increase. You need to stay
vigilant at all times and don’t take chances unnecessarily,” concludes Hattingh.
