A new hijacking trend is now targeting the motorists of Mzansi on their own doorsteps – Photo: Stock/ Canva
A vehicle crime expert has alerted South Africans to the emergence of a new hijacking trend, which has boomed in popularity since 2020. The so-called ‘blockage method’ deviates from more traditional methods of carjacking, by targeting victims on their own property.
WHAT IS THIS NEW HIJACKING TREND?
Tracker COO Duma Ngcobo went public with these findings on Tuesday. He gave an interview to eNCA, confirming that the blockage method was being used to largely to exploit people receiving home deliveries.
Essentially, car thieves will stalk a property until the gates are opened. The preferred method is to wait until a delivery is made. Although, this new hijacking trend can be used to target anyone entering OR exiting a property using electric gates.
As soon as those gates open, the hijackers will block you in at your property, making escape impossible. Victims are then obliged to comply with the criminal’s requests. The process isn’t complicated, but it is efficient enough for carjackers to get what they want and speed away.
BEWARE THE ‘BLOCKAGE METHOD’
But can an individual really prepare for this new hijacking trend? Ngcobo’s advice is hardly groundbreaking, but it remains imperative: Whenever you need to exit or enter your property, vigilance is key. Staying aware of your surroundings ‘at all times’ is greatly encouraged, too.
“When you travel late at night, we advise you tell your loved ones about your journeys. But there is another new hijacking trend to note: People are now being targeted when they wait at their gate for a delivery.”
“People ordering stuff to be delivered to their homes has increased, causing a spike in ‘home blockages’. It’s so vital to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. Hijackers now tend to wait for your electric gate to open, block you in, and gain access to your property and/or vehicles.”
Duma Ngcobo on Mzansi’s new hijacking trend, dubbed as the ‘blockage method’' by Tom Head, The South African
