Car theft and hijackings continue to be a constant and deeply unsettling reality for South African motorists. According to the latest crime statistics from the South African Police Service, between October and December 2024, the country experienced an alarming average of 52 hijackings per day. During the same period, a staggering 85 vehicles were reported stolen each day.
While extensive media coverage and research have documented the toll on victims, the locations of these crimes, and the sheer frequency with which they occur, far less attention is given to the psychological motivations behind car thieves themselves. What drives a person to commit such bold and dangerous crimes?
Vehicle tracking company Cartrack offers valuable insight: “To truly combat vehicle-related crime, we must delve into the criminal psyche and uncover the motivations that fuel these acts. Only then can we begin to identify strategies that deter and prevent them.”
Understanding the mindset of a car thief is crucial to developing effective prevention strategies.
Organised vs Opportunistic Crime: Two Criminal Mindsets
Not all car thieves operate the same way. Some are part of organised syndicates, while others act on spur-of-the-moment decisions. Understanding the difference is critical.
Organised crime is typically the work of a structured network of criminals, often operating much like drug cartels. These syndicates work on demand, with high-ranking operatives receiving orders for specific vehicle types. These instructions then filter down to lower-tier criminals who carry out the theft or hijacking.
Once stolen, vehicles are either transported across borders, stripped for parts, resold, or used in other criminal activities.
In contrast, opportunistic crime stems from individuals who act on impulse, usually in response to an easy opportunity—like an unlocked door or a visible handbag on a car seat. These incidents often occur in high-traffic public spaces such as malls, petrol stations, and curbside parking near busy intersections.
What Draws Criminals to a Vehicle?
Most vehicle-related crimes can be traced back to lapses in judgment or security on the part of the vehicle owner. Common attractants include:
- Unlocked or unattended vehicles
- Poorly lit or secluded parking spots
- Valuables left in plain view
- Lack of modern security systems (like immobilisers or alarms)
Popular vehicle models, especially those with a high resale value or demand for parts, are also prime targets. In many cases, it’s not the vehicle itself that is valuable—but the components it contains.
How a Car Thief Choose Their Victims
Contrary to popular belief, most vehicle criminals don’t act randomly. There’s a pattern to their behavior, often influenced by timing, location, and driver behavior.
Timing is key. Car crimes are most likely to happen during peak traffic hours—between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. These are times when drivers are typically distracted, rushed, or complacent.
Location matters. Hijackings frequently take place in quieter residential areas, often when a driver is entering or exiting their home. Public locations like shopping centres and fuel stations are hotspots for smash-and-grabs or vehicle theft.
Driver behavior also plays a role. Criminals tend to target drivers who appear distracted—talking on the phone, texting, smoking, or deep in conversation. Women are especially targeted due to the perception that they are less likely to resist and may be carrying valuables like handbags or jewellery.
Common Tactics Used by Car Criminals
Car-related crimes can range in severity and danger:
- Smash-and-grabs and lock jamming: Thieves break windows or interfere with central locking to steal items from inside the car.
- Vehicle theft: Parked vehicles are stolen using methods like hotwiring or hacking keyless entry systems.
- Hijackings: The most dangerous form of vehicle crime. Here, perpetrators use weapons to forcefully take control of a vehicle, often with the driver and passengers still inside. Compliance is often a matter of survival.
According to recent data, sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes are the most hijacked vehicle types in South Africa, followed closely by bakkies/panel vans and SUVs.
Avoiding Becoming a Victim
Protecting yourself starts with proactive, preventative measures. Some of the most effective steps include:
- Installing deterrent technology: Car alarms, dashcams, steering locks, immobilisers, and GPS tracking services significantly reduce the likelihood of theft.
- Being situationally aware: Stay alert when driving or parking, especially in known crime hotspots.
- Parking smart: Use secure, well-lit parking spaces and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
- Practicing good habits: Double-check that your doors are locked, be mindful of your surroundings, and don’t linger unnecessarily in your car.
If You Suspect You’re a Target
If you feel like you’re being followed, avoid going home, as this may be the planned location for the hijacking. Instead:
- Employ defensive driving techniques.
- Head to a busy public space or police station.
- Call a friend, family member, or local authorities.
In the Event of a Hijacking
Should the worst happen, experts recommend the following steps to maximise your safety:
- Stay calm and comply with all instructions.
- Avoid eye contact, as this may be seen as confrontational.
- Keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements.
- Exit the vehicle slowly, leaving your belongings behind.
- If children are present, inform the hijackers calmly.
- Wait until the criminals have left before seeking help.
Once safe, report the incident to the police and your vehicle tracking service immediately. If you or anyone else is injured, contact emergency services without delay.
Fighting the Problem at Its Roots
To effectively combat car-related crime, South Africa must go beyond enforcement and technology. The country needs to address the root causes that drive individuals toward crime—poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and the influence of organised crime networks.
Still, for the everyday motorist, knowledge is power. By understanding how criminals think and operate, you can make informed decisions that protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle.
As Cartrack puts it: “By going inside the mind of a criminal, we learn not only how to avoid becoming a victim—but how to build a society where fewer people turn to crime in the first place.”
Related article: New Car Theft Method in South Africa: Criminals Exploit Carelessness Around Car Keys
