Anti-hijack safety tips

Why this matters: SAPS-reported carjackings dropped in early 2025, but the numbers are still high — 4,533 incidents from January to March 2025.  Miway’s own incident insights have also highlighted that risk can be closest to home, especially around driveways and arrivals.

• Before you unlock, open, or exit your car, give yourself 20 seconds:
• Scan left/right and in mirrors
• Check for anyone loitering, watching, or moving “too deliberately”
• Look for a vehicle that appears to be waiting without reason

If anything feels off, don’t commit. Circle the block, drive to a busier area, or call someone to meet you outside.

Do this

• Have keys ready (accessible, not on display). Fumbling at the door is a common vulnerability window.
• Quick interior scan before you get in (front + back seats).
• Stay “heads up” at robots and stop streets: keep a safe gap in front so you can pull away if needed.
• Limit distraction: phone away, windows up when you’re stationary, valuables out of sight.
• Trust patterns: if a car seems to be following your turns, assume it might be intentional and change your route to a public place.

Avoid

• Driving while tired or on autopilot near home (that’s where routine makes you predictable).
• Stopping to “help” in an unsafe spot if something looks staged — rather call emergency services from a safer location.

In public

• Park in well-lit, high-foot-traffic areas.
• Before unlocking, scan behind and between vehicles.
• Don’t stand with your back to the open boot while packing — stay aware and keep your time “exposed” to a minimum.

At home

• Treat your driveway like an intersection: slow down, scan, commit.
• If you notice an unfamiliar vehicle, open gate, or someone “just standing there”, do not stop. Drive past and reassess from a safe location.

MiWay has previously shared that many hijackings occur close to home — your arrival routine matters.

Use this every time you get home:

1. Approach wide and slowly so you can see pavements/driveway edges.
2. Scan for people, a waiting vehicle, or movement behind walls/trees.
3. If anything feels wrong, don’t open the gate — keep driving.
4. If clear, open, enter, close (minimise time stationary).
5. Once inside, wait for the gate to close before you relax and look down at your phone.

Do and Don’t

Do

·       DO keep calm, comply, and focus on getting away safely.

·       DO keep hands visible and movements slow.

·       DO follow instructions if threatened — your life > your car.

·       DO be observant (voices, direction, vehicle details) without staring.

·       DO get to safety first, then call SAPS + your insurer/tracking.

DON’TS

·       DON’T argue, threaten, or challenge hijackers.

·       DON’T fight for your phone/handbag/wallet.

·       DON’T make sudden movements or reach under seats.

·       DON’T idle in your driveway or parking bay.

·       DON’T assume “it won’t happen here”.

If you’re confronted, your priority is survival.

• Stay calm (even if you feel panicked).
• Do as instructed, without debating.
• Don’t resist, especially if weapons are present.
• Don’t try to “save” movable valuables (phone, wallet, handbag). Replacing items is easier than recovering from injury.

This aligns with the practical guidance repeated across major SA safety publishers and tracking firms.

Once you’re in a safe place and able to act:

1. Call SAPS: 08600 10111 (or your local emergency number).
2. Contact your tracking company immediately (speed matters).
3. Contact your insurer and log the incident.

Try to note (only if safe to do so):

• Where and when it happened
• Direction of travel
• Vehicle description (model/colour/registration)
• Number of suspects, clothing, language/accent, distinguishing features

Miway also recommends testing your tracking device at least once a year, since functional security can affect cover and recovery.

Insurance can’t prevent crime — but it can reduce the financial shock and help you recover faster after a traumatic event.

If you want car insurance that fits your life (and your budget), you can get a quote online in minutes with Miway.