How to Really Protect Your Courier Vehicle From Being Hijacked

To really protect your courier vehicle from being hijacked, always ensure you’re covered with preventative tactics, protection strategies while out on deliveries, and post-incident assistance. By implementing these steps as part of a comprehensive protection plan, you’re strengthening the safety and protection of your fleet and its drivers. 

Courier vehicles are a growing target for criminals, exposing a genuine vulnerability in transportation and logistics. Reuters reported that delivery truck hijackings have spiked, with reports indicating that between 20 and 25 couriers are hijacked daily. Companies are ‘spending an absolute fortune on security’ to tackle these vulnerabilities, reflecting how criminals see courier vehicles as quick wins and fast money. 

The best way to tackle this? Real and actionable solutions. In this guide, we go beyond a simple ‘stay alert and stay safe’ approach. We explore the best ways to implement prevention methods, keep your drivers protected, and partner with Cartrack for full coverage and fleet vehicle safety.

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Actionable steps to protect courier vehicles from hijacking

The actionable steps you need to take to protect courier vehicles from hijacking are prevention strategies, in-journey protection, and post-incident support. This layered approach means that you’re combating every possible angle that could impact your fleet and will ensure full visibility, support, and protection for your vehicles and their drivers.

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Prevention strategies

The secret to managing safety even before your drivers are on the road is to implement prevention strategies. Preventative measures will always be one of the best ways to handle risk management. This is why driver training, route optimisation, and limiting cargo visibility can play a monumental role in fleet and driver protection. 

• Train drivers: Teaching and training your drivers ensures that they know what they need to look out for, can practice remaining calm in high-tension situations, and can manage exposure to potential risks.
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• Vary routes and delivery times: A routine can make drivers an easy target, which is why regularly modifying schedules or making variations to routes can throw off hijackers who’ve been surveying a vehicle over time. 
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• Limit cargo exposure: If the cargo in the vehicle is kept out of sight as best as possible, there’s less of a chance that valuable goods being transported will be targeted. 

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BONUS TIP: It’s also important to keep the goods in neutral packaging when possible.

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In-journey protection

You could put all the preventive measures in the world in place, but in-journey protection will always be just as important. Visibility, live tracking solutions, and immediate alerts are all necessary for onboard protection. This is especially the case for reacting as quickly as possible if your driver’s in danger.

• Live GPS tracking with alerts: Not only does live GPS tracking allow you to keep an eye on vehicles and their trips, but route deviations are immediately flagged, allowing you to react accordingly if there’s danger. 
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• Remote vehicle immobilisation: If a vehicle has been stolen or hijacked, you can shut down the vehicle remotely once it’s safe to do so. This limits how far the vehicle goes and aids in quicker recovery.
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• Panic buttons: A well-concealed panic button, pressed by a driver in danger, can quietly alert control rooms, which can then notify the correct parties to send help.
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• Camera solutions: The presence of advanced camera solutions means that everything is surveilled, which can provide crucial evidence if there’s a criminal case.

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Post-incident support

Sometimes, the worst does happen, which is why it’s best to ensure that you have clear strategies in place that’ll support your drivers and put you in a position for quick recovery. You want to ensure that your post-incident support puts your staff first and shows that you genuinely care. 

• Swift recovery assistance for stolen vehicles: The best thing you can do for your asset recovery is to ensure you partner with a company that has strong support and swift vehicle recovery. 
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• Protecting the driver’s physical and mental well-being: Your driver could be left physically hurt, mentally shaken, or both. Offer counselling, cover hospital visits, or encourage paid leave so they can recover fully and return to work in their own time.

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Why are courier vehicles prime hijacking targets? 

Courier vehicles are prime targets for hijacking because they often carry valuable goods. This includes expensive clothing, electronics, skincare products, and other costly merchandise. Criminals often see these vehicles as ‘quick wins’, recognising courier vehicles as low-risk, easy targets.

The risk extends beyond financial loss. Despite the burgled cargo, drivers can face real physical and mental trauma, there can be damage to the business’ reputation, and deliveries can be lost or delayed. 

South Africa’s metropolises are often the areas most vulnerable when it comes to courier vehicle hijackings. Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town are all big cities with dense populations and predictable routes, making them anticipated targets.

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Understanding hijacking tactics and the threats couriers face

Couriers are vulnerable to very real threats and hijacking tactics every time they’re out in the field. Methods include roadblocks, fake delivery orders, or being followed and monitored. Criminals are refining this more and more every day, signalling the importance of implementing strong security measures. 

Consider these real-world scenarios:

• Fake delivery customers or order diversions: Drivers can be drawn to locations that are isolated or directed to a pick-up point where they’re vulnerable to an ambush.
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• Following the courier vehicle to figure out schedules and routines: If drivers have regular and predictable routes, malicious parties can predict and learn driver routines.
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• Roadblocks or forced stops: Thieves can put up fake roadblocks or initiate forced stops by putting objects that obstruct the road for the courier driver. Following this, they’ll ambush the vehicle.
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• Insider threats and tip-offs: Thieves can plan their strategies by getting insider knowledge. This could be leaked information from an employee who tips them off about very expensive items in transit.

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Breaking down risks vs protection regarding courier vehicles and hijacking

Take a look at this table that compares risks vs the best protection methods:

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How Cartrack keeps courier vehicles safe

Cartrack keeps your courier drivers safe by offering the best in security and protection technology. Some of these tools include GPS tracking, vehicle immobilisation, and strong customer care and brand trust. You can rest assured knowing that your assets are protected, from first to last-mile delivery.

Here’s why Cartrack is a cut above the rest:

• Vehicle tracking: We offer strong GPS tracking systems with impressive backup solutions in case of signal interference, meaning you’ll always have full visibility of your fleet at all times.
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• Real-time alerts: Immediate alerts for geofencing breaches, idling, or any other strange driving behaviours mean you can act swiftly and immediately if something seems “off” about a trip.
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• Remote vehicle shutdown: Our remote vehicle immobilisation tool allows you to safely shut down a vehicle when hijacked. The vehicle won’t move any further, allowing for quicker vehicle recovery.
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• 24/7 recovery teams: Our team is on standby around the clock in case of any emergency or recovery needs, and with our high recovery rate, the numbers speak for themselves.

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Wrapping up on courier vehicle safety

Courier vehicle hijackings remain a serious concern in South Africa, but businesses can greatly reduce their exposure by taking proactive steps. From skilled drivers and varied routes, to live tracking and rapid recovery support; every layer of preparation strengthens fleet security.

Take all the safety precautions you can to protect your fleet. With Cartrack’s advanced technology and full, constant support, you’ll have complete control and visibility across your fleet, helping drivers and managers deliver safely, every day.

Your drivers deserve safety, and your business deserves security you can trust. Know that help is always close at hand; partner with Cartrack to protect your courier fleet.

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FAQs

Q: Which are the worst courier hijacking hotspots in South Africa?

A: The worst hijacking hotspots in South Africa are Gauteng, Western Cape, and Kwa-Zulu Natal. These are the country’s biggest metropolises, and as mentioned, they typically have densely populated areas. This means deliveries are happening more frequently and routes are more predetermined, therefore more predictable. 

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Q: What preventive measures can we take in the event of hijacking?

A: In the event of hijacking, the best preventative measure is teaching drivers beforehand about hijacking safety procedures. Invest in other prevention strategies like rotating routes and drivers, geofencing and other immediate alerts set up, and swift vehicle recovery plans in place.

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Q: What should a courier driver do during a hijacking situation?

A: During a hijacking situation, a driver should remain calm and keep their hands visible at all times. Drivers should carefully alert the necessary parties by pressing a panic button if there’s one located in the vehicle. A driver should always try to keep movements and words clear and slow—erraticness can startle hijackers and cause them to make dangerous mistakes.

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Q: Does insurance cover courier vehicle hijackings?

A: Yes, insurance companies do typically cover vehicle hijackings, but many contributing factors determine the insurers' specifications. Companies will usually first look over the business’ safety policies and risk management. Following this, they’ll likely require information like evidence of driver training and tracking technologies.