Car-Jamming: Forget Insurance!

According to the SAPS, of the 40 cases of theft from vehicles reported in Sandton each week, most involved jamming. Insurance broker Aon South Africa, for instances, has seen a marked increase in "jamming" claims. Spokesperson Kate Lellyet said:

"Car jamming has significant implications from an insurance perspective. The reality is that unless there are signs of forcible or violent entry, most insurance policies will not pay out."

Schools targeted

Jamming involves blocking key-fob central locking devices by using a household remote. Car and household remotes operate at a 400 megahertz frequency and criminals effectively prevent car locking as the driver walks away.

"Schools are being targeted as these are particularly easy pickings for criminals as many parents leave handbags, wallets and laptops in their cars while they walk their children into school," Lellyet said.

So what to do...

• Use the remote locking key WHILE STANDING BY YOUR CAR to make sure it has in fact locked.
• Conceal any items left in your vehicle; better, take them with you.
• Check that all doors and windows are locked before you walk away.
• Park close to a shopping mall entrance.