As temperatures across South Africa continue to drop and the full onset of winter looms, the earlier sunsets and longer nights are creating prime conditions for a rise in criminal activities. Residents are urged to be vigilant, as the darkness and cold weather provide an ideal setting for criminals to target motorists in residential areas, locations near fuel stations and shopping malls.
According to Tracker’s Vehicle Crime Index, which aggregates information from the company’s more than 1.1 million subscribers, hijackings still dominate at a national level, accounting for 55% of all national vehicle crime incidents.
Over recent months, there have been several reports of robberies at convenience stores, cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings as well as patrons coming under attack – either hijacked, robbed and even killed at fuel stations countrywide.
Consumers are cautioned to remain vigilant particularly during early sunsets where the darkness creates opportunities for criminals targeting consumer valuables in residential areas, near shopping malls and at fuel stations, meaning it is imperative for everyone to stay alert and take proactive safety measures.
Siyakha Masiye, spokesperson for MiWay Insurance, adds: “Cold weather also makes for misted windscreens, which can impair visibility of your surroundings. Criminals often take advantage of darkness or bad weather to commit crimes such as carjackings and robberies. And if you are walking in the dark, muggings are a higher risk. The colder weather can also make people less alert and more eager to get home quickly, becoming an easy target for criminals.”
He offers the following safety tips to help South African motorists stay safe this winter:
- Plan ahead and leave before sunset – To avoid travelling in the dark, plan your trips in advance and aim to leave early, whether heading to and from the office, shops or visiting friends and family.
- Fuel up wisely – When refuelling, especially at night, choose well-lit petrol stations and avoid isolated ones. Rather refill at petrol stations in the morning or during the day.
- Keep valuables out of sight – Make sure you keep valuables out of sight, whether in pockets, or handbags. This also includes any handbags or laptop bags on passenger seats or even on back seats. Rather place your valuables in your car boot.
- Switch on car lights – With so many modern cars being introduced so often in the market, their lights are also evolving. Whether you are driving a modern car or an older model, make sure your car lights are turned on as soon as it gets dark.
As Masiye concludes, having car insurance provides a safety net for unexpected incidents on the road. “Ensuring road safety is not just about preventing accidents; it’s also about protecting oneself from the potential financial repercussions of road incidents. Safe driving practices and heightened awareness can mitigate the likelihood of accidents and criminal activities.”
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