IN RESPONSE to a rise in carjackings targeting Toyota Fortuners, the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market has established a secure parking area with enhanced security measure
This move comes after carjackers stole a Fortuner and attempted to steal two others in recent weeks and the increase in thefts of Fortuners in the area.
Christine Standeaven, owner of the market, said: “The reason for this decision was the unprecedented recent thefts of, in particular, Toyota Fortuners in the upper Highway Area. We could not sit back and do nothing. We are trying to be proactive. We realise that all cars are at a risk of being stolen. However Toyota Fortuners are being targeted.
“We had two attempted thefts which were foiled by our security and one Fortuner was stolen. We have two guarding companies with a total of six professional guards. Furthermore, we have 12 permanent car guards,” she added.
Standeaven said parking at the market was free, including the designated parking for the Toyota Fortuners.
“The designated parking area is located at the top of the market on the left. Although we have upped our security and taken added security measures, the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market will not be held responsible or accept any liability for any theft, damage or fire on any vehicle left on our premises,” she said.
According to Statista, a German online platform that specializes in data gathering, hijackers tend to target Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, and Etios ranges.
Tracker’s vehicle crime statistics for July to December 2024 revealed that nationally, hijackings comprised 56% of all vehicle crime incidents, while theft accounted for 44%.
Their statistics indicated that across the country, more vehicles were reported hijacked on Fridays, and between the hours of 4pm and 9pm. Theft is mainly reported on Saturdays, and between the hours of 4pm and 9pm.