How to Reduce Risk

While there is no guarantee what action will prevent hijacking, practising the following common sense techniques can reduce the risk:

When Entering Your Vehicle and While Driving:

• Have your key ready, but not visible.
• Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking.
• Know your destination and directions to it, and be alert should you get lost.
• Always drive with your windows and doors locked and/or closed.
• Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the vicinity while driving.
• When dropping a passenger off, make sure that they are safely in their own vehicles before departing.
• Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid driving late at night at/or the early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
• Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible.
• If possible, never drive alone.
• NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers.
• Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular basis.
• Do not leave windows open more than 5cm.

When Parking Your Vehicle:

• Check rear-view mirror to ensure that you are not being followed.
  
• When returning home after dark, ensure that there is an outside light on, or have someone meet you at the door.
  
• When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
  
• Never sit in your parked car without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationery vehicle is particularly dangerous.
  
• When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons.