An off-duty eThekwini Metro Police member returning home was able to escape from hijackers who tried to rob him on the driveway just as he arrived at his Malvern home on Tuesday afternoon.
In the 22-second-video, the cop’s VW Polo can be seen approaching the driveway while a white Mercedes Benz sedan follows right behind him.
The alert police officer notices the Mercedes Benz tailing him and he can be seen turning his wheels away from the gate in preparation to escape.
In no time, two suspects jump out of the Mercedes and charge towards him. The cop doesn’t waste time, he speeds away from the scene while the suspects’ car tries to block him. The police officer, fortunately, manages to escape from the robbers.
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How to Avoid a Hijacking when approaching and entering your driveway
Be extra alert about 2km from your house checking for any suspicious movement in front or behind you. Switching off the car radio may be a good idea at this stage so that you concentrate on your surroundings. If you have noticed any vehicle behind you or you suspect that a vehicle you see may be up to no good, pass your home and try to come back after making sure the vehicle is not following you.
Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion for the suspects and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.
Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
Make sure your driveway is well-lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators overpowered them.
Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
If at any time you must open the gate yourself, make sure there is nobody suspicious around and the road is clear.
Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door (not creating temptation). Then open the gate. Drive in and close the gate immediately behind you.
If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.
Check the rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons. This is very important as most hijackers approach their victims in home driveways. These safety tips to avoid hijacking were shared by Arrive Alive.