New vehicle crime statistics have revealed a shift in the timing of hijackings across South Africa, with incidents now occurring earlier in the week than previously observed.
According to data released by Tracker, a leading vehicle tracking company, while car theft and hijacking can happen on any day, distinct patterns are emerging nationwide. The findings suggest that criminals are adapting their strategies, possibly in response to changing social and economic conditions.
In the first half of 2025, hijackings were most commonly reported on Thursdays between 16:00 and 21:00. However, data from the second half of the year shows a clear shift, with Tuesdays now emerging as the peak day for hijackings during the same time window.
Changing Patterns Across Private and Business Vehicles
The data also highlights differences between privately owned and business-owned vehicles. For private cars, theft remains most prevalent on Saturdays between 11:00 and 16:00, reflecting patterns linked to shopping and leisure activity.
Business vehicles, however, follow a different trend. Hijackings are more likely to occur on Wednesdays in the late afternoon and evening, while theft peaks on Fridays, often extending into the night.
These variations indicate that criminals are increasingly targeting specific routines associated with different types of vehicle usage, including commercial deliveries and predictable work schedules.
Seasonal Decline Masks Ongoing Risks
Despite the concerning shifts, Tracker’s Vehicle Crime Index recorded a notable decline in incidents during December. Nationally, vehicle crime dropped by approximately 30% compared to earlier months, driven largely by a reduction in theft involving business vehicles.
This seasonal decline is attributed to changes in daily routines. School holidays, reduced business activity, and increased travel disrupt predictable movement patterns, making it harder for criminals to plan attacks.
However, regional differences remain significant. Gauteng, which consistently reports the highest number of incidents, followed the national downward trend. KwaZulu-Natal maintained relatively stable levels, while the Western Cape experienced a more complex pattern.
In the Western Cape, crime involving private vehicles decreased, but incidents involving business vehicles increased during the festive period. This is likely linked to heightened tourism activity, with busy hospitality sectors and ongoing deliveries creating more opportunities for opportunistic crime.
Police statistics reinforce the scale of the issue. In the final quarter of 2025 alone, 4,778 hijackings were recorded nationwide—equivalent to around 50 incidents per day.
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape remain the primary hotspots, although provinces such as the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga are showing rising trends.
Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes continue to be the most frequently targeted vehicles, followed closely by bakkies and panel vans. Business vehicles face a higher risk of hijacking, while theft is slightly more common among privately owned cars.
Tracker continues to play a key role in combating vehicle crime. In the latter half of 2025, the company recovered 3,590 vehicles, supported 127 arrests, and assisted in the recovery of 12 firearms.
Chief Operating Officer Duma Ngcobo urged motorists to remain vigilant at all times, noting that even during quieter periods, the threat of crime persists.
Source: Tracker Vehicle Crime Statistics / SAPS
