Over the last few weeks hijackings and motor vehicle thefts in the Table View area have shown a worrying increase, the police warn.
With criminals being on the lookout for easy opportunities to take advantage of, the key is to remain alert and vigilant at all times, police say.
Table View police spokesperson Capt Adriana Chandler says the police received information about a vehicle that was hijacked on Friday 28 January.
“Police officers observed the vehicle (last Sunday on 30 January), fitting the description, driving in Blouberg with four occupants. Police instructed the driver to pull over and the officers approached with caution, not sure if any of the occupants were armed or not.”
Police then tested the registration number. “It was confirmed that this vehicle, a blue Toyota Yaris, was indeed hijacked in Bothasig on the date mentioned”.
The four suspects, aged 28, 30, 31 and 45 were arrested.
Chandler shares these tips to avoid becoming a victim of theft and hijackings:
- Remove valuable items from your vehicle when you park it;
- park your vehicle inside your property where possible, and activate the alarm;
- make sure all your doors are locked, before walking away from your car (even if just for a few minutes);
- activate your car alarm when it is parked;
- when driving, make sure all your doors are locked;
- when returning home, reverse your vehicle into the drive way, so that you can have a clear view of the entry, and can make a quick getaway, should someone enter your property;
- when suspecting that someone might be following you, drive to your nearest police station and report your suspicion;
- always be alert and aware of your surroundings when driving.
