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Cape Town - A woman managed to beat a criminal attempting to steal her phone only to have a car stolen by an opportunistic thief.
According to AJC.com, Emma Ebosi, fought a criminal attempting to steal her cellphone.
Two separate crimes
AJC reports that Ebosi was in a store when a woman approached her, asking to make a phone call from her cellphone. Ebosi told the woman that she'll make the call on her behalf, but the woman was adamant to make the call herself.
Once the pair left the store, the unknown woman attempted to grab Ebosi's cellphone. In the scuffle, Ebosi dropped her car keys.
Three men, witnessing the altercation, moved to pick-up the car keys, hopped into Ebosi's car and sped away.
Fortunately, Ebosi was left unhurt in all the drama.
The four criminals are still at large.
Watch the video below:
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1. Know when you’re at risk Founder of the National Highjack Prevention Academy, Richard Brussow, said: "Hijackings usually take place in areas with easy escape routes. These include driveways, intersections and traffic signs where vehicles are forced to stop. Places where drivers might pull over to use a cellphone or drop off/pick up children from school are also high-risk areas.
2. Keep your car doors locked, windows closed and ensure that no bags, briefcases or valuables are visible. Brussow says: “When approaching traffic lights at night, slow down so that you reach them when they turn green. Otherwise, when stopping behind vehicles in traffic, always leave half a vehicle length in front of you to allow room for an emergency escape.”
3. Only pull over when it’s safe “Some syndicates use bogus police or traffic officers,” says Brussow, adding that in the event of being approached by an unmarked SAPS vehicle, you should switch on your hazards, put your hand out of the window and indicate that they should follow you.
“Head to the nearest police station or busy area before pulling over. You should do the same if your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation."
4. If you encounter obstacles in the road such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Rather reverse and drive away in the opposite direction.
5. Take appropriate action According to the NHPA, if any person or vehicle arouses your suspicions, treat it as hostile and take appropriate action. Brussow says: “For example, when approaching a red traffic light late at night, slow down, check for oncoming traffic and if clear, drive through the intersection. A fine will be preferable to an attack.”
He adds that this is not an excuse to ignore the rules of the road. The onus will still be on you to prove in a court of law that you had justifiable reason to act the way you did.
READ: Hijack prevention - Top 11 life-saving tips
6. Be on high alert near home Be extra alert when approaching and entering your driveway. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
“Pay particular attention to unknown pedestrians and vehicles with occupants. If you notice either of these, rather pass by your home and come back later,” says Brussow. “Stop your vehicle just inside the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.”
7. Use the key as a negotiating tool Should you have to get out of your car to open your gate and you have small children with you, take your key with you when exiting the car. “You need the key as a negotiating tool,” says Brussow. “The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.”
8. If your children are older, get them to exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.
9. Do not resist In the event of a hijacking, the most important thing to remember is not to resist - especially if the hijacker has a weapon. Surrender your vehicle and move away. Try to put as much distance between yourself and the hijackers as speedily as possible. Do not reach for your valuables. Leave everything in the vehicle.”
10. If you are forced to drive with a hijacker, do not make eye contact or any sudden movements. Do not lose your temper, threaten or challenge the hijacker – do as they tell you. Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker and try to memorise as many details as possible in order to potentially identify the hijacker.
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