WEST RAND, GAUTENG – Motorists in the West Rand are being urged to stay vigilant as car hijackings and vehicle thefts continue to rise across several areas, prompting renewed safety warnings from local security companies.
According to the latest alert by ICI Security, hotspots for vehicle-related crimes include Krugersdorp, Kagiso, Munsieville, Simunye, Randfontein (Greenhills and Toekomsrus), Westonaria Main Road, Carletonville CBD, Homestead, and Kagiso Extensions 6 and 8. These areas have seen a noticeable increase in reports of hijackings and vehicle theft incidents, many occurring during early morning and late-night hours.
Residents are being advised to take extra precautions when travelling, particularly around intersections, shopping centres, and residential driveways.
Key Safety Tips for Motorists
Authorities recommend the following measures to reduce risk:
- Always lock doors and close windows when driving.
- Avoid distractions such as using your phone while in traffic.
- Maintain a safe following distance to prevent getting boxed in.
- Stay alert and observe your surroundings, especially in high-risk zones.
- Install a reliable vehicle tracker for quick recovery in case of theft.
- Ensure that your home gate area is well-lit at night when arriving or leaving.
Community policing forums have also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity immediately and to share verified safety alerts with neighbours through trusted WhatsApp groups or local social media pages.
As vehicle crime syndicates become more sophisticated, safety experts stress the importance of awareness and preventative action. “Criminals often target distracted drivers or those stopping in poorly lit areas. Vigilance remains our strongest defence,” a local security representative said.