High-Risk Vehicles in South Africa: Is Your Car on the Watchlist?

If you drive in South Africa, you’ve probably heard someone say, “They’re targeting that model lately.” It’s true — some vehicles attract more criminal interest than others. Whether for resale, parts, or cross-border trafficking, certain cars find themselves on the wrong side of the stats. Let’s unpack who’s topping South Africa’s list of high-risk vehicles and what you can do to stay off the radar.

The Notorious Few

Every year, vehicle tracking and insurance data reveal a familiar lineup of “most wanted” cars. It’s not about luxury—it’s about demand and opportunity.

1. VW Polo:	The unofficial king of South African roads and, sadly, of hijack statistics too. Its popularity makes it a goldmine for parts.
2. Toyota Hilux and Fortuner:	Beloved for their durability and 4x4 power, but also beloved across borders. Many of these disappear over the Limpopo faster than you can say “bakkie life.”
3. Nissan NP200:	A hardworking bakkie that’s often repurposed for less-than-legal logistics.
4. Toyota Corolla Quest:	Simple, reliable, and easy to sell or strip. Hijackers love efficiency too.
5. Ford Ranger:	The bakkie everyone wants in their driveway—and apparently, so do the thieves.

If your vehicle appears on this list, don’t panic just yet—but do pay attention.

Why These Cars?

It’s not random, and it’s not personal. Most high-risk vehicles share three qualities: high demand for parts, easy resale potential, and weak security features compared to today’s tech-heavy cars. Criminals don’t want your ten-year-old sedan for bragging rights—they want its catalytic converter and gearbox.

Bakkies, in particular, are hot property across southern Africa. With strong resale value and good off-road capability, many stolen models are stripped for export or used in rural and mining operations beyond South Africa’s borders.

Hijacking Hotspots and Habits

Statistics shift often, but hotspots remain consistent: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape feature most prominently, with Johannesburg and Durban leading the pack. Most hijackings happen during routine urban travel—leaving work, fetching kids, or stopping at a gate.

Criminals also prefer nightfall or quiet intersections. The moment you slow down or feel “too safe” is often when they strike.

How to Outsmart the Stats

You can’t change which vehicle you drive, but you can change how secure it is. A few practical steps go a long way:

- Invest in a professional vehicle tracking system that gives live updates and recovery support.

- Install an additional immobiliser or anti-theft device—especially for older models.

- Avoid predictable routines. Change your route or schedule occasionally.

- Stay alert during driveways, traffic lights, and petrol stops—prime moments for opportunists.

- Insure smart. If your insurer offers lower premiums for tracking, take it—it’s worth the peace of mind.

Technology is your silent co-driver in the fight against crime. At Tracking Remade, we’re constantly adapting to new hijacking tactics, offering cutting-edge tracking systems tailored for South African conditions. Because when it comes to theft prevention, early detection is everything.

Drive Smart, Stay Local, Stay Safe

South Africa’s roads may be wild, but they’re also where we live, work, and hustle. Protecting what’s yours is less about paranoia and more about practice. Knowing that your car—or bakkie—has an invisible guardian on board means you can focus on your journey, not the fear.

Your vehicle may be high risk, but with the right tech, you can make yourself a low-risk target.

Call us today to secure your vehicle!

076 8910685