Truck Hijacking: See the Latest Stats and Prevention Tactics

Imagine suddenly receiving an alarming call. One of your fleet vehicles has been hijacked! Your heart immediately sinks as you realise you may have lost clients and revenue, all while putting your drivers in harm's way. 

It’s time to empower yourself and prevent these horror stories from coming to life. We can learn the numbers, prevention tactics and then fuse Cartrack’s advanced and stolen vehicle recovery into the blend.

This is a powerful mix, so let’s get stirring!

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In this article, you will:

• Come to terms with the reality of hijacking

• Learn about the effects of truck hijacking on businesses

• Gain knowledge of recent truck hijacking statistics in South Africa

• Find out how to protect your drivers and trucks with hijacking prevention methods

• Learn more about Cartrack’s safety-driven solutions

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But it could never happen to me…

We all have this strange idea that we are unique and free from all the worst experiences. Of course, this is far from the truth. Many people in industries that rely on fleets are painfully aware of the hijacking crisis in South Africa. For this reason, always being emergency-ready is part of every fleet manager’s job.

Statista Research Department confirmed this collective fear in its “Number of truck hijackings in South Africa FY 2009-2023” report. It stated that in South Africa’s 2023 fiscal year, there were just under 2000 truck hijackings–a jump from the previous year. In fact, since 2012’s fiscal year, these hijackings have increased more than twofold, with that year recording 821 events. 

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The effects of hijacking on businesses

Some issues in life have a domino effect,  and hijacking has a “not-so-great” chain reaction that negatively affects business owners, drivers, profits, and customers.

One perfect way to fight against these possible future disasters is by educating yourself! Let's find out more about what companies may experience from this crime. 

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Profit Loss

Freight hijackings have a devastating habit of turning supply chains all the way upside down. In January 2023, the Transported Asset Protection Association shared that, within 546 days, R577 million in goods were stolen from supply chains due to hijackings. These hijackings cause companies to lose their goods and services, which they now can’t sell to buyers. Given the soaring number of hijackings in this country, this loss in sales would put a solid dent in returns. The seller likely has to raise their delivery costs because there is more risk. More risk means using more money for these dangerous journeys. 

If the business’s fleet experiences ongoing hijackings, it may lose frustrated customers forever!

In a 2020 TimesLive Article by Mpumzi Zuzile titled “‘These people are killing our business’: hijackers target trucking industry,” the writer discussed this challenge. He stated that 1000 fleet vehicles were singled out throughout South Africa in the previous financial year. 
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Gavin Kelly, the Chief Executive of the Road Freight Association, expressed: “Our members lose goods. They have vehicles damaged. They have drivers threatened. They incur financial losses on top of COVID-19 losses. Their premiums increase, and their drivers become reluctant to drive unsafe routes or times.” 

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He stated, “There is a continual drain on their ability to earn revenue, and they continue to operate in a continual state of fear and uncertainty.”
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With Cartrack’s advanced telematics-based fleet management system along with state-of-the-art technology, you can mitigate these risks and optimise proactive safety.

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Driver safety

Truck accidents are a massive issue on South African roads. A 2023 article in Creamer Media’s Engineering News stated that in 2022, trucks were linked to a mind-blowing 60% of accidents on the N3 toll route. Being constantly alert of possible hijackings can contribute to heavy driver fatigue. 

Companies can install our panic button and tracking device to provide drivers with some peace of mind. The panic button can be a comforting friend, always there if the driver is ever in need. It is also a way for businesses to help save their drivers and goods! 

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South Africa’s recent hijacking statistics

Compared to the rest of the globe, South Africa is known for many things–our diverse culture, our passion for rugby, and the beauty of our many landscapes and provinces. Tragically, crime forms part of that list — hijackings included.

In fact, according to the 2024 World Metrics report, the Rainbow Nation’s truck hijackings are among the highest in the world. Roughly 30 to 35 occur weekly. Other statistics they shared showed that most of these truck hijackings occur in the Gauteng province—70% of them, to be exact. The report shared that, according to the National Council for Road Safety, black trucks are at a 70% higher risk of being hijacked compared to white trucks, while the reason for this is unknown.

These scary figures point to a broader nationwide crisis. That said, in February 2024, the National Anti-Hijacking Police actually shared some positive numbers. They stated that the year-on-year hijacking digits had grown smaller. Sadly, they claim 66 vehicles are still stolen every single day throughout South Africa. 

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Hijacking prevention tactics for your company’s truck drivers

While these statistics spark fear, there are always ways to prevent or fight against these terrifying experiences. Great minds have come up with strategies for hijackings. Meanwhile, Cartrack has developed technologically-driven solutions crafted for driver safety. Using Cartrack’s solutions and anti-hijacking tactics together, you have an effective shield to protect you, your drivers and your business. 

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Expand your knowledge

Learning about the different types of hijackings can help you prepare yourself or your fleet for the absolute worst.  Educate yourself by reading a list from Arrive Alive of the many kinds of hijackings: 

• Freight hijackings: These hijackings focus on the goods in the vehicle or truck. The culprits want to steal whatever the vehicle is carrying.
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• Showmanship hijacking: This hijacking, usually violent or threatening, stems from gang members attempting to show off. 
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• Transport hijacking: This is when the cars hijacked are reused for illegal purposes such as dealing drugs and robberies.
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• Syndicate hijacking: These are highly organised hijackings connected to syndicates.
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• Operational hijacking: These hijackings are performed by an organised group that steals and sells vehicle parts.

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How to prevent hijacking?

When tackling a problem, we must confront it from where it is standing. It could be a possibility in the future, a present situation, or we could be dealing with the future. Here are some tactics from Arrive Alive that tackle hijacking from all angles — with some of our efficient services and solutions sprinkled throughout. 

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What preventative measures can we take in case of hijacking?

This is your best bet: avoid it as much as you can. Caution and awareness are your new best friends.

You can develop this friendship by practicing caution around every turn: parking anywhere or entering a driveway is the best time to remain aware, as this is when your vehicle or truck is slowly approaching a standstill. You are also about to open your door–a simply perfect opportunity! 

That said, you should always ensure that your doors are closed and locked and your windows are rolled down. Hijackers tend to pounce around traffic lights and intersections. Stay aware. 

Cartrack’s Vision solutions and GPS Tracking are perfect for this early-on type of prevention. 

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What procedure should be followed in a hijacking situation?

If the worst has happened, you or your truck drivers don’t have to feel hopeless. There are tactics you can employ. Firstly, always remain calm. If you are still only suspicious that someone is following you, you can always drive into a busy area. 

If, however, the worst occurs, it is sometimes possible to simply drive away quickly to get as far as possible in the shortest period from the hijackers. While doing this, you should also hoot loudly. 

Cartrack’s panic button can be a lifeline for your truck drivers if they encounter this terrifying situation. 

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What actions should be taken after a hijacking?

The driver must receive medical attention immediately and go to the police station. The company should also report the incident and handle the insurance. 

If you have experienced this kind of traumatic event, you should consider going to a mental health professional to help you process and deal with any distress it may have caused you.

Cartrack Philippines is dedicated to your safety and security

Cartrack Philippines is a safety-driven company. We provide many services and products geared toward keeping you and your vehicle out of harm's way. Let's explore the specifics of some of the products mentioned and how they can ensure truck and driver safety:

• Multi-approach tracking solution: Our tracking software includes GPS tracking, real-time vehicle tracking, and recovery. Control room support is also available throughout the day and night.
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• Panic button: The panic button is perfect for a trucker in the midst of a hijacking. It has four options: medical emergency, accident, breakdown, and security alert. This button instantly lets our 24/7 control room know something is wrong, and they are always ready to take immediate action.
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• Cartrack Vision: Our vision solution includes AI-powered live-streaming cameras installed in different areas of your truck, including a driver-facing, in-cabin camera, for increased visibility. Apart from allowing fleet managers to witness the event in real time, the technology also allows you to request footage covering a specific date and time for evidence and insurance claims. 
  Different problems require different Vision solutions, and multiple fall under this umbrella. A great approach to hijacking is Cartrack’s Multi Vision solution. AI cameras are installed to view the road, cabin, a chosen internal part of the truck like the cargo, and an external place to destroy blindspots. It’s the closest you’ll ever come to a magic pill for hijacking.
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• MiFleet: This solution, found on the Cartrack App, can be used to track various costs, such as fuel, tolls, accidents, and insurance. You can also export this information via PDF or Excel. This means you can understand where you’ve lost revenue from a hijack or general operations.

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Cartrack Philippines keeps your business out of hijackers’ way and on the road to growth

Our services and products will leave hijackers wondering why they even thought about targeting your company. Contact us today to rip that bull's eye off your back.     

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FAQs to help you fight crime

• Where do most hijackings take place in South Africa?
  According to the previously mentioned National Anti-Hijacking Police statistics, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Kwazulu Natal, and Limpopo’s hijacking digits reduced year over year. 
  At the same time, the Northwest's hijacking statistics increased significantly, with a 14.1% increase and a 13.5% spike.
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• Do hijackers have a new target in South Africa?
  In May 2024, Business Tech claimed that delivery vehicles are considered the ‘new target' in South Africa. A significant number of hijackers began moving on from what was the go-to hijacking scheme — when these criminals targeted everyday vehicles, usually spotting those considered high-end or popular and stealing and selling the parts. 
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• What are the trucking problems in South Africa?
  Beyond hijacking, truckers encounter many problems every day. These include poor road conditions, a lack of skills, corruption, and fatigue from being on the road too long.
  The trucking industry faces many challenges as an overall business. These include the high and constantly rising fuel prices in South Africa, a lack of skilled workers, road safety, and environmental concerns. 
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• Is trucking a good business in South Africa?
  The trucking business faces a mountain of obstacles.  However, it can still be an incredibly well-paid investment. This is if you can navigate a highly competitive and challenging industry and secure the needed funding.

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Cartrack Philippines is wholeheartedly committed to the safety of your fleet, goods, and drivers. Return this commitment and secure your business — contact us today.