The South African Police Service recently released crime statistics for 2016. Overall, crime in South Africa decreased between 2015 and 2016. However, certain crimes, such as Carjacking (Hijacking in South Africa) saw a sharp increase, +14.3% in the number of crimes committed.
Unfortunately, for all of us, regardless of where we live, driving a Porsche could make you a target. People make certain assumptions about the people driving cars like ours and even if they’re not after us, and what we might have in our wallet, a Porsche itself is a very desirable prize for some criminals.
The videos you see above and below took place in Johannesburg. As the 911 pulls into the driveway, a BMW can be seen pulling to the side of the road and then quickly reversing to block the 911 in. Fortunately, the Porsche driver was vigilant, saw the attempted hijackers approaching and took immediate evasive actions to remove themselves, and their Porsche, from the reach of the carjackers.
It’s hard to say what’s the right move in a situation like this. Should you escape and evade like the 911 driver in this video, or give in and let them take your car. Personally, assuming I would have the nerve, and presence of mind to do so, I would like to think I would act similarly. Not because I’m protecting my Porsche, but because I’m protecting my life. If someone is desperate enough to point a gun at you to try and take your car, you have to assume they’re desperate enough to do anything.
If you’re interested, The U.S. State Department offers advice on how to avoid being the victim of a carjacking. Most is common sense, especially their statement that, “Avoidance is the best way to prevent an attack. The objective is not to thwart the criminal but to survive!”
