New data shows that the times of the day when most hijackings occur have shifted, with criminals now operating more frequently earlier in the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hijackings are a significant concern in South Africa, and the latest stats show this type of crime continues to flourish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Tracker’s latest Vehicle Crime Index, hijackings and car thefts had significantly increased by the end of 2023. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The index is based on data collected from Tracker’s over 1.1 million subscriptions. Nationally, hijackings accounted for 55% of all vehicle crime incidents, while theft accounted for 45%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tracker COO Duma Ngcobo said the company’s vehicle crime statistics align with the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime data, showing a steady increase in vehicle crime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The SAPS’s latest report shows that approximately 66 cars are being stolen daily, a 6.5% rise from the previous year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operating hours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Commenting on the latest trends, Naked Insurance told BusinessTech that hijackers seemed to be operating earlier in the day compared to historical data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “According to our data, hijackings account for 54% of vehicle thefts between 05h00 and 12h00, 47% from 12h00 to 21h00, and 25% between 21h00 and 05h00<\/strong>,” said Ernest North, the co-founder of Naked Insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tracker said a vehicle can be stolen any day. However, specific days have been trended across Tracker\u2019s footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the company said you are more likely to be hijacked on a Friday (between 15h00 and 22h00) and have your vehicle stolen on a Saturday (between 11h00 and 15h00).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This shows hijackers are now choosing to operate earlier rather than later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n “There’s a common perception that crimes like hijacking mainly occur after dark, but these statistics remind us that drivers must remain vigilant at all times,” North added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Commenting on the latest hijacking hotspots, Ngcobo highlighted that while shopping malls remain a primary hotspot for thefts in South Africa, Tracker’s data had flagged sporting and schooling events as primary hunting grounds for hijackings and car thefts across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the SAPS, three provinces experienced a notable year-on-year increase (>10%) in hijackings \u2013 these being the Gauteng (14.4%), the Western Cape (14%) and North West (11%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interestingly, Kwa-Zulu Natal saw a 17.6% decrease in carjackings, followed by the Eastern Cape (-5.2%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of the reported incidents, Gauteng experienced the highest volume of vehicle crime, with 61% of the total incidents occurring there. KwaZulu-Natal was next at 14%, followed by the Western Cape at 9%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The SAPS\u2019 data also showed that sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes comprise 46.1% of the vehicles hijacked in South Africa, followed by bakkies and panel vans at 30.5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n