Fidelity Services Group has pointed out a concerning trend where hijackers are increasingly targeting Chinese-manufactured cars in South Africa.
The first quarter of 2024 has witnessed a notable surge in hijackings compared to the same period last year. Brands like Haval and Chery have seen a significant rise in sales, making them attractive targets for car thieves.
The increasing popularity of hijackings and heightened risks
Speaking about these concerning trends on Newzroom Afrika, Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group, highlighted, “While traditional brands remain targets, we’ve observed a notable rise in thefts involving other products.” With the growing market share of Chinese car brands, criminals have found increased opportunities. Bartmann elaborated, “With more of these vehicles on the road, there’s greater demand for spare parts, along with incidents of breakdowns and accidents.”
Reasons driving this shift
The shift towards targeting Chinese-manufactured cars instead of traditional brands can be explained by several factors. One significant reason is the rising popularity of these vehicles, making them more visible and accessible targets for criminals. Bartmann highlighted, “With the increased sales of these cars, they become more attractive to criminals due to their availability.” Additionally, the aftermarket for stolen car parts has grown substantially, providing further incentive for theft. Bartmann also noted, “There’s a significant market for stolen parts, which drives criminals to target these vehicles for stripping and resale.”
Steps to counteract hijackings
To tackle this growing challenge, Bartmann underscored the necessity of installing vehicle tracking systems. “Having a vehicle tracking unit is essential,” he emphasized. Alongside technology, maintaining vigilance and awareness of surroundings is crucial in preventing hijackings. Bartmann pointed out, “With everything accessible on your phone, it has become easier for criminals to target transactions.”
Regarding vehicle color, Bartmann highlighted its role in susceptibility to hijackings. “Many vehicles are so common that they’re not easily distinguishable,” he observed, noting that white cars are particularly targeted due to their prevalence. However, other colors are also at risk because they blend in well, making them less conspicuous to potential thieves.