CRIME: New hijacking trend hitting motorists who use the fast food drive thru
Now you have to be even more aware when you are grabbing fast food...
We are never prepared when we hear about new crime trends. For the obvious reasons, of course.
But the reality is that we have to stay abreast of these sorts of trends so that we can all be aware and ultimately safe.
Recently, a trend that has been hitting motorists involves hijackers and fast food outlets.
With the rise in the unemployment rate and the rise in criminal activities as we approach the festive season, we find more and more criminals becoming opportunistic.
"Fidelity ADT has warned of a new modus operandi where motorists are being targeted while buying food at drive-thru establishments." (Business Tech)
Unsuspectingly, you enter the drive thru with the intention of purchasing food. But these criminals use the element of surprise to attack. As soon as you get to the front of the queue, armed suspects disembark from the vehicle in front of you and attempt to hijack your vehicle.
When you instinctively attempt to reverse, the car behind you blocks you in.
"South Africa’s crime statistics for Q1 2022/2023 showed an increase in hijackings across the country. A total of 5,866 hijackings were reported across the country over the period – a 14% increase from the 5,146 hijackings reported over the same period the previous year – and averages to a car stolen every 22 minutes in the country." (Business Tech)
Scary to hear those numbers, but it's the reality of the world we live in. This is why you need to consciously remain alert and aware of what is going on around you. It is so easy for us to get distracted and let our guard down, but it is important to remain vigilant.
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Here are some welcomed safety tips set out by security company Fidelity ADT:
- Keep your bag in the boot – have your cash and card on hand for quick payment.
- Only use well-frequented drive-thrus 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-thru 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 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." (Business Tech)
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