Hijacking: Can you and the vehicle you drive be a target?
Could your vehicle attract criminals? Learn why hijacking risk is rising, which cars are targeted and how to stay safer.
When you stop at a traffic light, hijacking is probably the last thing you want to think about. Yet many South Africans now weigh every journey against a growing security risk.
Criminals do not always choose luxury vehicles. They often prefer models that disappear into everyday traffic. Knowing why certain cars attract organised crime can help you reduce your exposure and make smarter decisions on the road.
Recent warnings from insurance and private security companies show that vehicle crime continues to evolve.
Risk depends on several factors, including vehicle popularity, location and criminal demand.
Understanding those patterns can help motorists remain alert without living in fear.
WHY DOES HIJACKING HAPPEN TO SOME DRIVERS?
Insurance companies urge policyholders to implement enhanced security measures, which are now compulsory for vehicles identified as carrying higher theft and hijacking risks.
Among them are owners of certain Toyota Corolla Cross models, including the Corolla Cross 1.8 XR.
Similar requirements apply to several vehicle categories following ongoing assessments of claims data, theft trends and vehicle recovery outcomes.
Some customers must install two Crowd Search Sensors to maintain theft and hijacking cover. Customers who already use approved third-party tracking systems can avoid an additional monthly Stolen Vehicle Recovery fee.
Organised crime groups often target vehicles that are common on South African roads. According to Fidelity Services Group, criminals prefer cars that blend into traffic.
White and silver vehicles can become even harder to identify during an escape.
WHICH VEHICLES FACE A HIGHER HIJACKING RISK?
The Corolla Cross joins a list of popular vehicles that regularly attract criminal attention. Private security company Blue Hawk Tactical reported an increase in Corolla Cross thefts across Gauteng during recent months.
This trend reflects simple economics. According to Naamsa sales figures, many of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles also become attractive targets because demand for replacement parts remains high.
Criminal syndicates frequently dismantle stolen vehicles or illegally re-register them for resale.
Experts caution against assuming that every owner faces the same level of danger. A popular model naturally appears more often in crime statistics because many more examples are on the road.
HOW CAN YOU STAY SAFER?
No security measure removes the risk completely, but sensible habits improve your chances. Security companies advise motorists to stay alert, vary travel routines and remain cautious when arriving home. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid distractions while driving.
Portable panic buttons, vehicle tracking technology and rapid-response security services can also improve recovery prospects after a theft. If confronted by armed criminals, security experts consistently advise motorists to prioritise their personal safety over their vehicle.
South Africa’s latest police crime statistics recorded more than 4 700 carjackings during the first three months of 2026, averaging more than 50 incidents every day.
Most occurred in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Those figures show why awareness matters. Your vehicle alone does not determine your risk. Staying alert, using appropriate security measures and understanding changing crime trends remain your strongest forms of protection.