According to 2020/2021 crime statistics, Pretoria West in Gauteng province has been identified as a hotspot for vehicle hijackings.
The area ranks at number 17 nationally and one of the top 30 high-risk hijacking areas in South Africa.
Police spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma warned motorists to be careful when driving around the area.
“We got reports of many cars being stolen from informal motor mechanic businesses operating at Rebecca street in Pretoria West. This mostly happened when mechanics leave the vehicles on the street with keys in the ignition. It made criminals easily access car keys and then steal the cars. Mechanics also used to leave cars carelessly after test driving”, she said.
Vuma mentioned negligence and alcohol abuse as one of the factors leading to vehicles being stolen at Rebecca street. She said motorists must be careful and keep the car’s keys safe all the time in order to prevent such incidents.
“Victims of hijackings used to be those going to local liquors and braai areas. Most of the time criminals follow motorists who are under the influence of alcohol and from entertainment places. Motorists should be extra careful especial when driving at Rebecca and Vom Hagen streets when going to places such as Kwaggasrand, Lotus Gardens, Evergreen Pretoria market, Danville and Proclamation Hill”, Vuma added.
Vuma warned motorists to also avoid leaving their valuable items inside cars as they attract criminals. She encouraged people to always report crimes to the police stations so that they can identify other crime hotspots.
