Rising truck hijacking statistics remain a major concern

Truck hijackings remain a concern for the transport industry as criminals have become so sophisticated that they are using signal jammers, diversion tactics, infiltration teams and even planted employees to reach the truck’s assets.

They had also become more professional in terms of the tactics they employed to commit the crime.

Fleet vehicles were a particularly attractive target owing to their valuable cargo. According to the South African Insurance Crime Bureau, truck hijackings were all about the commodities being transported, with products like tobacco currently in high demand.

Crime statistics published in September 2015 revealed an alarming increase of almost a third in reported truck hijackings over the past year.

Signal jamming, in particular, was an increasingly popular means for criminals to steal vehicles and loads, with truck hijackings costing the country an estimated R3-billion in 2015.

With these statistics on the rise, companies were considering telematics technology to ensure full visibility of their entire fleet – one of the most important measures in combating crime.

However, to realise the full benefits of a telematics fleet management system, drivers needed to be proactively managed in real time.

In addition, there had to be a well-coordinated effort between fleet managers, tracking companies, tactical response companies and law enforcement agencies when recovering vehicles.

At this year’s TruckX conference and exhibition, hosted by Ctrack and Standard Bank, taking place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Midrand on August 2,  Ctrack Fleet Management Solutions MD Hein Jordt will be discussing the latest trends in what criminals are doing to negate technology and how telematics can help.