Response to increased
prevalence of"Car-Jacking"
in the Westville Area
Informed by 1st April to 13th
August 2008 Westville SAPS Crime Analysis
Disclaimer: The suggestions provided below
can assist in the reduction of car-jacking prevalence, but cannot
guarantee that car-jacking incidents will not occur.
Description
Mitigation
Proposal
Lighting
If you see a street light that is not working adjacent to your property or near a public place, make a note of the reference number on the pole and report it to 0801313013 or contact the Westville CPF. Durban Metro aim to repair street lights within 7days.
Have a plan to ensure that you have sufficient Lighting at your gate and along your boundary wall/fence. A day-night sensor is also very beneficial.
Vegetation
at Driveway
Ensure that vegetation near your gate and boundary fence/wall are kept well groomed in order to maximize visibility
Notify the Municipality and/or Westville CPF of overgrown (poorly maintained) verges and open spaces adjacent to your property entrance.
Surveillance
Start a street watch in your street and/or neighbourhood.
Improving
visibility into and from your property.
A boundary fence/wall/gate that that allows high visibility into and/or from your property is preferable.
Access
& Departure into/from driveway
When returning to your property:
Use your indicators to advise other motorists of your intention to turn and stop parallel to your drive-way entrance while your gate is opening. If you have manual gate ask a neighbor or family member to open your gate just prior to your arrival.
Know your neighbour’s vehicle/s. If there are other vehicles parked or in close proximity when returning home, make a small detour and access your property once you’re satisfied that it is safe to return
home.
Endeavour to invest in an automated access gate
Make use of armed response services to escourt you home (Check with your security company if you qualify for this service)
Notify you neighbor and family that you are returning home.
Train passengers in your vehicle to be observant when returning home (The driver and passengers should maintain a higher state of alert when returning home).·
Install a concave mirror where visibility is impaired upon entry or exit from your property.
· Wherever possible do not reverse out of your driveway.
Behaviour
Be co-operative - lose the vehicle - keep your life.·
Through appropriate training, educate your children to respond immediately to set commands and the tone of your voice, during high risk situations.
Defensive
Driving
Attend a defensive driving course.
Assisting
SAPS with their Investigation
Mitigation
Proposal
Perpetrator
identification to assist with arrest/conviction
A : Age
B : Build
C : Complexion
D : Dress and/or distinguishing marks e.g. scar/tattooOther
E: Left or Right Handed
Vehicle
Identification
Colour
Make
Model / Type
Distinguishing Marks/dents/stickers
Registration Number
Firearm
Firearm
Colour
Type e.g. pistol/revolver
Recovery
System
Invest in a recovery system and consider conspicuous
display of a vehicle tracking device on your vehicle.
Quick
response to complaint
Assist the SAPS and Security companies through maximum
visibility of your House number/address at your property
gate or entrance wall.
