MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The KwaNonqaba Police have provided tips on how to survive a hijacking.
The tips are:
- If confronted by hijackers, the aim is to survive the crime. Accept that you will lose your vehicle. Do not lose your cool and do not threaten or challenge the hijacker.
- Do exactly as told by the hijackers. Surrender your vehicle and move away. Remember, property can be replaced. Lives cannot.
- Don't reach for your purse or valuables. This may threaten the hijackers and you may get hurt. Leave everything in the vehicle. Remember, the hijackers will be as nervous as you, if not more so.
- Answer any questions truthfully, especially concerning firearms. If hijackers find out or suspect you have lied, they are more likely to turn violent and do physical harm.
- Even if you are in a shocked and terrified state, try to listen to and understand exactly what the hijackers want from you. Try to remain calm at all times and do not show signs of aggression.
- Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, to give the assurance you do not intend fighting back. Whatever movement you make, do it slowly.
- Do not throw away your keys. When requested to hand them over, comply.
- Gather as much information as possible without being a threat. Note the number of hijackers, what they are wearing, their ages and any facial and physical features. This does not mean staring at your attackers and making it obvious that you are looking at ways of identifying them.
- If you have a baby or a pet in the back seat, which they may not have noticed, tell the hijackers.
- Call the police immediately after the hijackers have left the scene. Note any specific identifying marks on other getaway vehicles used by the hijackers, if there are any.
- Know the full description and registration number of your vehicle and call the police emergency number, 10111. Stop all bank accounts that may be accessed as a result of the loss of personal belongings immediately.
- Blacklist your cellphone and provide your International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. An IMEI number is a 15-digit serial number unique to your device and can be used to identify your device. This can usually be found in your phone's settings, under "About phone".
- Report a stolen ID and change locks at home if any keys to them were taken.
To report any incidents, call the the KwaNonqaba Police Station (044 606 5617/06).
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