Truck hijackings in 2014/15 increased by 29.1%, to 1 279 incidents, compared with 2013/14’s 991 incidents – this according to statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Truck hijackings numbered 943 in 2012/13 and 821 in 2011/12.

The continued and “disturbing” increase has a parallel in shopping centre robberies, believes Institute of Security Studies (ISS) senior researcher Dr Johan Burger.

Both these crimes are typically committed by syndicates.

Crime syndicates target high-end goods in shopping centres, such as jewellery, exclusive clothing brands and technology products, such as cellphones.

Shopping centre robberies have increased by 142% over the last three years, says Burger.

Despite this, urban shopping centres traditionally have good security measures in place, through private security firms, with the SAPS normally close by, he adds.

Trucks transporting the same goods – and commodities such as petrol and diesel – however, have fewer security measures in place, and they often have to travel at night and in remote areas.

It is also costly for all trucks to be escorted by armed guards.

“The point is: It is more difficult to counter truck hijackings than shopping mall robberies. Trucks are more vulnerable. In shopping centres, you can exercise access control, or you can carry less stock.”

Does this mean truck hijackings cannot be prevented?

Trucks can carry lower volumes, or the number of escorted trucks can be increased, says Burger.

This, however, creates the risk of road users being caught in the crossfire.

The only real solution is improved policing, says Burger.

“However, our crime intelligence is severely lacking. Crime threat analysis production has dropped 50% over the last three years.

“This means that the police have lost 50% of their sight. They know 50% less than they should know.”

Burger adds that the best way to tackle crime syndicates is to identify, infiltrate and neutralise them. However, this requires the SAPS crime intelligence unit to operate at full speed.