{"id":27342,"date":"2025-09-05T09:48:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T07:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=27342"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:54:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:54:24","slug":"the-most-hijacked-cars-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/the-most-hijacked-cars-in-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Hijacked Cars in 2025: Sedans, Hatchbacks, and Coupes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Car hijackings continue to be one of South Africa\u2019s most alarming crime trends in 2025. According to the latest statistics, thousands of motorists fall victim to hijackings each quarter, with criminals showing clear preferences for certain vehicle categories. Understanding these patterns is crucial for making smarter choices when it comes to buying, securing, and insuring your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-south-africa-s-hijacking-trends-in-2025\">South Africa\u2019s Hijacking Trends in 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) for Q4 2024\/2025 (January\u2013March 2025) paints a stark picture:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>4,546 vehicles were hijacked in just three months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That\u2019s roughly 50 cars stolen every day \u2013 or one every 32 minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While overall numbers remain high, some categories saw declines, while others experienced worrying surges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2125929097\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-top-3-most-hijacked-vehicle-categories\">Top 3 Most Hijacked Vehicle Categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-sedans-hatchbacks-and-coupes-44-4-of-hijackings\"><strong>1. Sedans, Hatchbacks, and Coupes \u2013 44.4% of Hijackings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With 2,016 incidents, this category remains the number one target. Although hijackings dropped by 13.8% compared to the previous quarter, sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes are still the most at-risk vehicles. Their resale value, abundant spare parts market, and cross-border demand make them prime criminal targets.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056824.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-27347\" style=\"width:526px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056824.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056824-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056824-768x461.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-bakkies-and-panel-vans-33-1-of-hijackings\"><strong>2. Bakkies and Panel Vans \u2013 33.1% of Hijackings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Commercial vehicles such as bakkies and panel vans recorded 1,503 hijackings. Demand for these vehicles remains steady as they are essential for both local businesses and cross-border smuggling operations. Unlike sedans, this category showed little change compared to the previous quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056872-1024x614.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-27348\" style=\"width:524px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056872-1024x614.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056872-300x180.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056872-768x461.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056872.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-suvs-and-station-wagons-7-5-of-hijackings\"><strong>3. SUVs and Station Wagons \u2013 7.5% of Hijackings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SUVs and wagons accounted for 341 incidents, a 4.6% increase from Q3. Their rising popularity, higher price tags, and demand beyond South Africa\u2019s borders make them increasingly attractive to hijackers.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1757056968-1024x768.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-27351\" style=\"width:500px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/most-hijacked-chinese\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Most Hijacked Chinese Cars in South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-emerging-concerns-new-high-risk-vehicles\">Emerging Concerns: New High-Risk Vehicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Motorcycles \u2013 +20.2%<\/strong><br>With <strong>291 incidents<\/strong>, motorcycles are now firmly on hijackers\u2019 radar. Their use in delivery services and courier platforms makes them both visible and valuable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavy Trucks Over 3,500kg \u2013 +56.8%<\/strong><br>Hijackings of large trucks jumped to 58 incidents, the steepest rise across all categories. Their valuable cargo and utility for criminal syndicates explain the surge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Newly Targeted Vehicles<\/strong><br>For the first time, SAPS reports hijackings of ambulances, farm machinery, and truck-and-trailer combos, signaling an expansion of criminal focus beyond passenger and commercial vehicles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2827992349\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-these-vehicles-are-targeted\">Why These Vehicles Are Targeted<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>High Market Demand<\/strong> \u2013 Popular vehicles fetch strong resale values and can easily be dismantled for parts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cross-Border Smuggling<\/strong> \u2013 Vehicles are trafficked to neighbouring countries where demand drives higher profits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Operational Vulnerabilities<\/strong> \u2013 Older models lacking advanced anti-theft systems are easy prey.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commercial Value<\/strong> \u2013 Vans, bakkies, and trucks offer utility beyond resale, making them especially desirable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hijacking-hotspots-where-you-re-most-at-risk\">Hijacking Hotspots: Where You\u2019re Most at Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Your Own Driveway<\/strong> \u2013 The most common hijacking location, especially during predictable arrival and departure times.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>School Zones<\/strong> \u2013 Drop-off and pick-up routines create opportunities for distracted parents to be targeted.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Petrol Stations<\/strong> \u2013 Stationary vehicles and distracted drivers make these prime locations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Traffic Intersections<\/strong> \u2013 Criminals increasingly strike at stop streets and traffic lights during peak hours.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1897724259\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-protection-strategies-for-vehicle-owners\">Protection Strategies for Vehicle Owners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-if-you-own-a-sedan-hatchback-or-coupe\">If You Own a Sedan, Hatchback, or Coupe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Invest in tracking systems, immobilisers, and steering locks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vary your routes and routines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use window tinting to conceal valuables.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-if-you-own-a-bakkie-or-panel-van\">If You Own a Bakkie or Panel Van<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Secure cargo areas with extra locks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove tools and equipment when parked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always use GPS tracking and park in monitored areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/the-10-least-hijacked-cars-in-south-africa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The 10 Least Hijacked Cars in South Africa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-insurance-protection-theftbuster-plus-from-bidvest-insurance\">Insurance Protection: Theftbuster Plus from Bidvest Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that only 30\u201340% of South African vehicles are adequately insured, protecting yourself financially is as important as protecting your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Theftbuster Plus<\/strong> offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Up to <strong>R15,000 in excess cover<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Replacement of stolen personal belongings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>R2,000 trauma counselling support<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>R3,500 car hire cover<\/strong> during claim processing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>R10,000 loyalty bonus<\/strong> for total loss.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crime scene clean-up worth R10,000<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This product helps bridge the financial and emotional gaps left behind after a hijacking incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hijacking in South Africa is evolving. While sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes remain the most targeted, motorcycles, SUVs, and heavy trucks are increasingly at risk. With criminals shifting tactics and expanding their scope, drivers must stay vigilant, adopt robust security practices, and ensure they have financial protection in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Staying informed about these <a href=\"https:\/\/bidvestinsurance.co.za\/the-most-hijacked-cars-in-south-africa-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">crime<\/a> trends is the first step toward keeping yourself and your vehicle safe in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-hijacking-spots-in-gauteng\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top Hijacking Spots in Gauteng: What You Need to Know in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Car hijackings continue to be one of South Africa\u2019s most alarming crime trends in 2025. According to the latest statistics, thousands of motorists fall victim to hijackings each quarter, with criminals showing clear preferences for certain vehicle categories. Understanding these patterns is crucial for making smarter choices when it comes to buying, securing, and insuring<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":27353,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Car hijackings continue to be one of South Africa\u2019s most alarming crime trends in 2025. According to the latest statistics, thousands of motorists fall victim...","footnotes":""},"categories":[52,48],"tags":[3897,11106,1214],"class_list":{"0":"post-27342","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-car-reviews","8":"category-transport","9":"tag-car-news","10":"tag-latest-car-news","11":"tag-most-hijacked-cars"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27342","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27342"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27342\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27372,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27342\/revisions\/27372"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27353"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27342"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27342"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27342"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}