STOLEN VEHICLES GIVE INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF VEHICLE HIJACKING SYNDICATES

Stolen vehicles found fitted with a fake licence disc and fake number plates have offered a glimpse into the manner in which hijacking syndicates operate and how easily they are able to get away with crimes because of technological advancements.

Technology allows syndicates to continue to stay one step ahead of the police. As soon as a new safety measure is implemented, criminals are able to work around it.
They have a network of accomplices, from authorities whom they are able to bribe to influential businessmen and corrupt government institutions. Like similar criminal organisations worldwide, vehicle hijacking syndicates in South Africa employ various strategies and tactics to steal vehicles and evade law enforcement. It’s important to note that these activities are illegal and harmful, and this explanation is intended for educational purposes only.
Here are some ways in which hijacking syndicates operate and evade capture:
Violence and Intimidation
Stolen License Plates
Remote Jamming: Criminals sometimes use electronic devices to remotely jam the signals of key fobs, preventing vehicle owners from locking their cars. Hijackers then easily get into the unlocked vehicle when the owner walks away.
High-Speed Getaways
Chop Shops
False Plates and Vehicle Alterations: Criminals may change the appearance of the stolen vehicle by altering its physical features, such as repainting it, changing the vehicle’s appearance, or applying false vehicle identification numbers (VINs). This makes it challenging for authorities to identify the stolen vehicle based on its original characteristics.
Networks and Informants: Criminal syndicates have networks of informants who provide information on potential targets or police movements. This helps them plan and execute their crimes more effectively.
Corruption: In some cases, corrupt law enforcement officials or individuals with connections to organised crime may assist hijacking syndicates by providing information or looking the other way. This further hampers law enforcement efforts.
Technology: Criminals may use technology to track vehicles, monitor law enforcement communications, or disable vehicle tracking devices, making it difficult for authorities to locate and recover stolen vehicles.
Geographic Challenges: South Africa’s vast and diverse geography can pose challenges for law enforcement, especially in rural and less-developed areas, where response times may be longer.
Cybercrime: As probably the fastest-growing crime in society today, cybercrime criminals allow syndicates to falsify vehicle registration documents. These owner verification documents are forged at such a high quality that it is almost impossible to see the difference between an original and a fake at first glance.
The latest crime statistics by the SAPS, measuring the period from April to June 2023, show that 9,081 motor vehicles and motorcycles were reported stolen during this period. For hijackings specifically, 2,591 sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks were stolen, while 1,582 bakkies were reported stolen.

MOTIVATION BEHIND VEHICLE HIJACKING:
Resale value, chop shops, getaway vehicles, transportation for other crimes, payment for debts or favors, thrill and adrenaline, lack of economic opportunities, limited law enforcement presence
corruption and organized crime.

Extracts of press release:  
Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes Mobile: +27 82 447 6116     
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za