The Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa reports an annual increase in vehicle crime in October and November, driven by criminal masterminds exploiting businesses stockpiling products and increasing delivery volume during major shopping events. Making vehicle hijacking a priority crime in South Africa due to its severe physical, emotional, financial, and social consequences. This then necessitates the Prevention of Fleet and Cargo theft using Advanced Telematics Solutions.
To prevent fleet and cargo theft, as well as cybersecurity threats, this article will argue for fleet safety through advanced telematics solutions, emphasizing the negative effects of hijacking and examining trends and patterns related to hijacking in South Africa.
During this time of the year, vehicles are targeted for fast-moving consumable goods (FMCG) such as alcohol, clothing, and groceries. A 2020 TimesLive article reports that “more than 1000 vehicles were targeted in the past financial year across South Africa”. Additionally, there were 1202 truck hijackings recorded between April 2019 and March 2020 – a 1.7% increase from the year prior.
Fleet operators are therefore confronted with a safety concern which results in significant financial losses. This also includes medical costs, high insurance premiums, and loss of technological devices like cell phones, dashcams, GPS devices, and entertainment systems.
A 2001 Research shows that South Africa’s vehicle hijacking rates are among the world’s most violent crimes, with 102 victims threatened with firearms, 46 exposed to physical violence, 32 intimidated, 15 severely assaulted, and 10 head-struck. The physical injuries sustained by the respondents in this research vary from gunshot wounds, bruises, abrasions, cuts to the head, to permanent damage to the shoulder, back, and limbs. One respondent was shot in the back and paralyzed for life. Two other victims were raped.
In South Africa, the interior of a vehicle has become one of the most dangerous areas. A reality that further exacerbates the requirement for advanced telematics solutions.
Cyber Security Threats
The days of shattering a vehicle’s window to break in are long gone. With current technical developments, all cybersecurity criminals need to drive away with your vehicle is a laptop and a signal device. While this advancement in vehicle internet connectivity is advantageous, it exposes fleets to data and vehicle theft.
Potential entry points for vehicle hacking:
- Bluetooth
- USB
- OBD II port
- Engine transmission
So, how does Geotab Africa’s advanced telematics solutions keep fleets safe?
Fleet Productivity
Driver Tracking – this advanced telematics solution tracks and evaluates driver performance with our fleet tracking software. Our robust suite of driver-tracking tools and driver-management software can track every vehicle’s movement. Our solution features an instant notifications system that sends fleet managers emails or texts based on user-defined rules. This is especially useful in hijacking events for vehicle recovery.
Asset tracking – You will have peace of mind knowing where all your high-value assets are. With this, fleet managers may enhance asset utilization by tracking assets in real-time. Because trailer theft is becoming a concern, this feature facilitates their recovery when they are stolen.
Routing and dispatching – Reduce expenses by using our routing and dispatching solutions to guide your fleet in the proper direction. Our technology reduces travel time and distance driven, allowing fleets to maximize productivity. Drivers can steer clear of risky, hijacking locations in this way.
Fleet Safety
Fleet Insurance – Reduce your fleet’s insurance costs by utilizing Geotab Africa telematics and your safe driving statistics. Benefit from insurance rates that are based on the driving behaviors of your fleet. Use real-time driving behaviour data to reduce the cost of your insurance policy, increase your profitability, and manage the total cost of ownership (TCO).
Dashboard Cameras – With our seamlessly integrated, AI-powered dash cam solutions, you can eliminate uncertainty from crashes and other important traffic occurrences. This system offers vital video proof for insurance disputes, hijackings, and collisions.
Fleet maintenance – Before the peak period of hijacking, carry out routine maintenance on your vehicles to assist in preventing malfunctions that increase the vulnerability of drivers and vehicles to criminal activity. Fleet managers can quickly obtain information on engine diagnostics and scheduled maintenance reminders using our remote diagnosis software to get ahead of potential vehicle breakdowns.
Stolen vehicle recovery (SVR) – If a vehicle is stolen, we provide prompt assistance. In a hijacking scenario, we can recover a vehicle thanks to prompt and dependable dispatch.
Clearly, all the major shopping events pose significant cybersecurity and hijacking risks to fleets, necessitating the implementation of robust solutions to keep fleets safe and prevent vehicle and cargo theft with advanced telematics solutions.
It is also evident that the impact of hijacking does not end on the day the crime takes place. It continues to reverberate on various levels. On local and international levels, it destroys trust, while businesses experience setbacks that knock the bottom line greatly.
Learn how Geotab Africa’s advanced telematics solutions can protect your fleet by clicking here. To test us yourself, request a demo!
Join our 4 million global subscribers who are fleeting with ease this holiday season.
