Decrease In Vehicle Crime During December

The Tracker vehicle crime statistics for the period July to December 2019 reveal an 18% decrease in the number of theft and hijackings reported nationally during December, as compared to the five previous months. This trend is consistent year-on-year, with an 18% decrease in December 2018 and a 21% decrease in December 2017. Tracker also reports having reached the milestone of 100 000 vehicle recoveries in January – the company’s total since its inception in 1996.

Recorded from Tracker’s more than 1.1 million installed vehicle base, the largest vehicle tracking subscriber base in South Africa the statistics provide insights into vehicle theft and hijacking trends, including the time of day and day of week when vehicle crime is most likely to occur in South Africa. The Tracker Vehicle Crime Index also records the towns most affected by vehicle crime in all nine provinces.

Tracker data indicates that most vehicles are hijacked or stolen on a Saturday. This is followed by Thursday and Friday for hijackings and theft respectively. Most hijackings are reported between 20:00 and 21:00 followed by 12:00 and 14:00, on any day of the week, while theft of a vehicle is reported between 11:00 and 14:00.

Gauteng has the highest percentage of vehicle related crime (54%), with hijackings prevalent in Johannesburg and theft mainly occurring in Pretoria. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal with Durban in the top spot for both hijackings and theft, and the Western Cape with hijackings mainly occurring in Khayelitsha while theft is highest in Cape Town. Further theft and hijacking hotspots include eMalahleni in Mpumalanga, Ibhayi in the Eastern Cape, Rustenburg in the North West, Polokwane in Limpopo and Bloemfontein in the Free State. While the Northern Cape has less than 1% of the total activations, hijackings are primarily reported in Postmasburg and theft in Kimberley.

Tracker’s efforts to combat vehicle crime resulted in 3081 vehicle recoveries, 512 arrests and 23 firearms recovered in the second half of 2019.

“We are delighted to have reached the 100 000 milestone for vehicle recoveries,” says Ron Knott-Craig, Executive: Operational Services at Tracker South Africa. “Tracker’s vehicle tracking technology along with its partnerships with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies has played a crucial role in this achievement.”

Avoid becoming a victim of vehicle crime this year. Make sure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and is properly maintained to prevent a breakdown. Plan your routes in advance to try avoid high risk areas and the distraction of having to check directions while driving. Keep valuables out of sight in the boot or under the seats. Also, remain vigilant at all times – criminals are relying on you being distracted and vulnerable.