Child hijacks: Top 10 life-saving tips

Two particularly horrifying incidents of children caught in a vehicle hijack - one of them fatally - put South African road users into shock. For six days, South Africans waited anxiously for news of the safe return of little Mongezi Phike after a hijack and then we mourned the murder of four-year old Taegrin Morris – each an innocent victim of South Africa’s violent crime of hijacking. The pain and suffering of the parents of these children and the ordeals they have faced cannot be imagined. 'ROLE PLAY WITH FAMILY' Vehicle tracking and stolen vehicle recovery specialist, Cartrack, reports it has taken many calls from concerned parents for guidance on how to deal with hijacking involving children. Cartrack said: "It’s any parent’s deepest fear to have a child in the crossfire in the event of a hijacking. "While the reality of such a situation is frightening it may be a good idea to role-play the situation with your family and talk them through how to respond and remain calm - assuming your children are are old enough." The company has provided some practical advice... • Be aware of what is happening around you on the road. • Statistically you are more likely to be hijacked between 16h00 and 20h00, especially on a Friday, and most hijackings occur in the victim’s driveway. • Prepare yourself mentally and physically for a hijack situation by possibly roleplaying a scenario with your family. Treat it in such a way that it’s a game,so that your children will react appropriately. • It is important to realise that there is often nothing you can do other than to co-operate. • As difficult as it may sound, try and remain calm, as the hijacker will respond according to your reaction. • Acknowledge the hijacker’s presence, don’t make eye contact and keep your hands visible. • When you are inside your vehicle with the doors locked you are still in a "safe zone", therefore position your child’s car seat on the passenger side of the vehicle so that you can reach back, undo your child’s safety belt and bring them out with you when you exit the vehicle. • Avoid getting out of the car first and then opening the back doors to get your child out. If this is unavoidable and you are forced to exit your vehicle while a small child is still strapped to a baby seat, take the car keys with you as a ‘bargaining’ tool. • If your children are old enough, take the child lock off your vehicle and instruct your children on how to undo their safety belts, exit the car and move away to safety. • At all times, let the hijackers know what you are doing and don’t make any sudden moves. Cartrack says it has provided these guidelines to raise awareness and vigilance. Considering the recent cases of hijackings with children involved it is important to know how hijackers operate, how to avoid being hijacked, and what to do if you are. WHEELS24