New data indicates a significant and worrying shift in the operational patterns of vehicle hijackers across South Africa, with criminals increasingly striking during the week and, in some areas, earlier in the day. While reported hijacking figures show a national decline, security experts warn that the risk remains alarmingly high, necessitating greater vigilance from motorists.

According to the latest vehicle crime statistics, the traditional perception that carjackings primarily occur after dark is changing. Data reveals hijackings are now mainly reported on Thursdays between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM (16h00 and 21h00). This pattern marks a shift, as most vehicle crime was previously concentrated over weekends.

Despite a reported 15.1% year-on-year decrease in hijackings between January and March 2025, the risk factor remains uncomfortable, translating to approximately 50 vehicles hijacked daily based on SAPS figures.

The New Peak Times and Regional Variations

Security groups highlight key shifts in when and where motorists are most vulnerable:

• National Peak: The highest frequency of reported incidents occurs on Thursdays between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

• Lunchtime Threat: Data suggests hijacking risk is also elevated during busy, non-peak periods, with incidents tending to peak around lunchtime (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM), particularly on Fridays and Saturdays. This window allows for opportunities when there are enough vehicles on the road, but fewer traffic delays that could complicate an escape.

• Regional Hotspots and Timing: The most prominent times vary significantly by province:

    ◦ Gauteng: Hijackings tend to occur on Tuesdays between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Gauteng still accounts for 57% of vehicle crime monitored by Tracker. High-risk metros include Midrand, Honeydew, and Roodepoort.

    ◦ KwaZulu-Natal (KZN): Peak times are reported on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

    ◦ Western Cape: Incidents often spike on Wednesdays from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

• New Hotspot Emerges: Mpumalanga has joined the Western Cape and Eastern Cape as a major hijacking hotspot.

Why Hijackings are Replacing Theft

Criminals are increasingly choosing hijacking over traditional vehicle theft, largely due to advancements in vehicle technology. Modern cars are much harder to steal when parked due to sophisticated ignition and security systems. Hijacking offers criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents without needing to bypass these complex security features.

This is especially true for business-owned vehicles, which statistics show are 48% more likely to be targeted than personally-owned vehicles. Nationally, hijackings account for 66% of all vehicle crime incidents, compared to 34% for theft. This disparity is even more pronounced regionally, with business vehicle hijackings occurring at nearly double the rate of theft nationally.

Tactics and Vulnerable Targets

Hijackers employ a range of tactics, from sophisticated high-tech methods to aggressive distraction techniques:

• The Driveway Trap: Approximately 71% of carjackings take place in a victim’s driveway as they enter or exit their homes.

• Targeting Vulnerability: Hijackers are known to target victims, particularly women who are driving cars, believing them to be more vulnerable.

• Highway On/Off Ramps: Motorists travelling during peak morning and evening rush hours are frequently targeted on on- and off-ramps, stop-and-go points, and traffic robots, particularly in areas like Gauteng.

• The ‘Tap-Tap’ Trap: Criminals intentionally bump the victim’s vehicle, urging them to stop and inspect the damage, creating an opportunity for the hijacking.

• High-Tech Theft: For newer models, criminals use advanced strategies like signal-relay attacks (to trick keyless entry systems) or key cloning (to create copies of key fob signals).

Staying Ahead of Criminals: Essential Safety Tips

Security experts stress that no vehicle is immune to attack and caution that hijackings can happen at any time, anywhere.

Vigilance is paramount. Motorists should focus on preventative measures, including:

1. Maintaining Awareness: Avoid being distracted (e.g., by mobile phones) and remain alert to suspicious activity near you.

2. Driveway Safety: Never pull into your driveway while waiting for the gate to open; wait vigilantly on the street. Only open the car door once the gate has closed behind you.

3. Traffic Awareness: Leave sufficient space between your vehicle and the car in front of you at intersections or traffic lights to allow a potential escape route if boxed in or approached (the “blockage” tactic).

4. Valuables Out of Sight: Do not leave valuables visible on the passenger seat or dashboard, as this attracts opportunistic criminals.

5. Emergency Response: Avoid stopping for strangers in isolated areas (the “fake breakdown” tactic). Instead, report the situation to police or a roadside assistance provider.

Finally, while prevention is key, reliable car insurance is crucial to ensure you are not left financially stranded if a hijacking occurs. Installing multiple tracking devices (such as GPS plus RF systems) is also proving highly effective in increasing the chances of vehicle recovery.

For vehicle owners, adapting to the changing ‘business hours’ of hijackers is like adjusting a security alarm system—you have to ensure your defense matches the time window the intruder is actively targeting.