Two suspects well-known for their role in the upswing of driveway robberies and hijackings across the Northern suburbs were apprehended and arrested yesterday in a joint initiative between Fidelity ADT and SAPS Specific Crimes Trio unit.
The teams received information on a stolen car, a grey Subaru which had been hijacked in the Mellville area. They spotted the Subaru driving on Beyers Naude drive yesterday and were able to follow and intercept the vehicle on Suzanne Crescent in Northcliff at approximately 19:20.
The suspects were found to be in possession of an illegal unlicensed firearm, masks and gloves and 2 x cellphones. They have been handed over to Sophiatown SAPS and the car has been impounded. The SAPS are following up closely on the suspects’ alleged role in other incidents in the area.
Wayne Lamprecht, Fidelity ADT Community Manager says residents need to be particularly alert about being followed home in the early evening or the early morning leaving for work. We have definitely seen an upward trend in driveway hijackings and follow homes during these times.”
This trend is supported by the September SAPS report which highlighted the fact that there had been an increase in the number of incidents reported and that most incidents had occurred in Gauteng.
The golden rule is to say vigilant at all times.
Follow these simple tips – they could save your life:
- Turn your radio off, put your cellphone down, tell the kids to be quiet and concentrate on your surroundings as you drive.
- Report anything suspicious to your security provider or the SAPS immediately.
- Ensure if you have children in the car the eldest child should be seated behind the driver and the youngest to the left.
- Wait in the road and not in the driveway if you suspect that you are being followed home, especially late at night.
- Wait for any cars to pass you and wait until the car is a far distance away before entering your property.
- If you have a panic button or a mobile security app, have it on hand just in case.
- Ask your company if they offer a safe arrival service, so that an armed response officer meets you at home to ensure you enter your property safely.
- If you need to stop in your driveway to manually open the gate, remember to always leave the key in the ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car. Only then should you take the key with you as you open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – they want your car and you want your child.
If you do find yourself the victim of a hijacking, remember to not antagonize the hijackers. You need to show them you are not a threat.
Lift up your arms to show you have no weapon and will surrender. Use your left arm to undo your seatbelt and put your car in neutral. Do not turn off your car, and get out slowly.
Try and angle your body sideways so you are not facing a firearm head-on. Also remember to protect your head with your arms and avoid direct eye contact with the hijackers but try to take in what they are wearing, the sound of their voices, and any other unique identifying features that could help police later.
“Most importantly, try to remain calm,” he concludes.
Ends