Having done some research on how to avoid driveway robberies we have compiled a list of things that you should do, we have looked at the different security companies as well as the police and they all have the same advise, be mindful and vigalant of your surroundings. 

Information sourced from Saber, ADT and Chubb Security as well as an article from Sandton Chronicle written by Andrei van Wyk

Below is a list of things that you should do and look out for when approaching your driveway or any other place where you may be highjacked.

1.   When leaving your home make sure that there are no one loitering outside and never drive away from your property without checking the gate has closed properly. If you see any suspicious individuals      rather not approach them but call the relevant authorities.

2.   Keep your eyes open when driving from and to a mall, the airport, entertainment areas late at night and friends after visiting. If you feel you are being followed go to the nearest police station or a garage  where there will be people who can assist you or a place of safety.

3.   If possible get the registration of the vehicle that is following you and contact the police with the information.

4.   If you suspect you are being followed, put your indicator on and slow down at least two to three houses before your home. If you are being followed, you will force the vehicle behind you to pass and this    could cause the criminals to lose interest.

5.   Always make sure you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you when you stop in the traffic. This gives you enough room to manoeuvre and escape.

6.   If you need to stop in your driveway to manually open the gate, always leave the key in the ignition and the motor running unless you have a child in the car. Only then should you take the key with you as you open the gate. The key is a valuable negotiating tool – they want your car and you want your child.

7.   Don’t fall for the ‘tap-tap’ trap where a driver lightly bumps the back of your car in traffic. They often use female drivers as decoys here. Never get out of your car on the scene to assess the damage but      rather drive to a busy location. Signal to the other driver to follow you. If it is not legitimate, they will seldom follow you.

8.   Make sure that you have your gate remote in the front of the car in reachable distance, and not in your handbag or briefcase that might be in your vehicle boot which makes you get out of your vehicle in      your driveway to get the remote.

9.   When at your residence make sure you get in quickly and make sure that all the gates are closed and locked behind you. 

10.  2 km from your home turn off your music / radio so that you can be more alert approaching your driveway. 

11.  Consider enhancing your perimeter security by installing perimeter or wall top beams that cover the driveway area and the perimeter wall, forewarning you if someone has breached your perimeter       fencing

12.  Be familiar with your area; get to know the newspaper sellers on the corner, for example.

13.  Notice how people dress, if a "newspaper seller" or "hawker" is wearing overalls that seem new he might not be who he appears to be.

14.  If a driveway robber confronts you put up your hands immediately, don’t try to grab your bag or cell phone: it may look like you’re reaching for a gun.

15.  Stay calm, listen to the armed robber and obey commands.

16.  Avoid eye contact with the driveway robber, take note though of what he is wearing and his voice in order to describe to the police and for later identification 

17.  Don't be a hero, give the driveway robber what they ask for and stay calm. When you are out of your vehicle lie face down outside your vehicle as the drivway robber might not force you to get back in       the vehicle. 

18.  Stay off your cell phone when you are driving, stopping at a traffic light, stop street or in your driveway, this distracts you from what is going on and makes it easy for robbers to surprise you. 

Know your sector telephone numbers

SAPS Vehicles

071 675 6106

071 675 6107

10111

Detective

Lieut Mahundla

082 379 8732

If you have more safety tips feel free to let us know so that we can add them to this list. Email info@brace.co.za