Van Rooyen reckons that about 90 per cent of people are hijacked within 2km from their houses.
“While patrolling for 45 minutes in Sunward Park on Thursday, February 25, I can totally understand why people are hijacked,” he said.
“After all, while driving home, people are tired from a long day at the office. They are focused on getting home to relax.
“This has resulted in drivers not really doing visibility checks or patrolling an extra block or three when they get home; they are, therefore, set in their routines and can be a target.
“What happens is that you come into the area, drive straight home, stop in your driveway in front of your gate and wait for it to open. Therefore: easy target.
“While patrolling and observing how people arrive at home, I reckon I could have hijacked 10 of them if I wanted.
“As chairman of the CPF I have the responsibility to remind residents that they are placing themselves in harm’s way if they are not being vigilant.
“Change your routine. Stop in the street and wait for the gate to open, so you are not boxed in and can drive off if approached by strangers.
“Also, it is a good idea to reverse into your premises. This way you can drive off in an emergency and you can exit your premises more safely tomorrow morning.
“Don’t enter your premises if another vehicle is approaching, let them pass you and wait for them to leave.
“If it can save one person from becoming a victim, this message was worth it.
“Please use this advice. It could save your life.”
Also read:
Man seriously injured in apparent hijacking
EMPD nabs hijacking gang terrorising Boksburg
Hijacking cases a growing problem in Dawn Park
