Automobile Association of Zimbabwe

ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR JANUARY 2011

As we start the new year 2011 … lets all make security, in both homes and business premises a priority – it’s so easy to be wise ‘after the event’ let’s try to get on top of crime in our beloved country. This includes the security for all motor vehicles and to be aware and alert at all times, and advise the public of what is going on in Zimbabwe, it helps to put the alert button ON.
The Trust would like to thank the Zimbabwe Insurance Council for their support in securing mobile phones without your help we are unable to get the latest news and incidents going on out there in the field. To Track It your ongoing support in getting the update out to the public is invaluable
We have some unscrupulous people posing as mechanics, spray painters etc offering to sort your car out at a very reasonable price until the final exorbitant bill arrives. They are gunning for the elderly and woman they feel may be a soft target – areas that have been reported as business areas are Borrowdale near the Post Office and Strathaven Shopping Centre …. It is often not wise to use back street businesses as there is no come back on quotes, the standard of repair work, and mostly you are left out of pocket and the business men are nowhere to be found. It is wise to use a firm that has a good reputation but may cost that little bit more or seem to be more but where the job is guaranteed. We are all looking to save and get the best deal for our money – but be warned of the con men out there!
We all need to take care and be more alert and aware of the rules of the road the driving seems to be deteriorating at an alarming rate on our roads and careless accidents occurring – road rage is the order of the day and let the best nerve win … come on, is a new year and let’s try and keep within the law and fatal accidents from happening – Drive with more care and attention please …. Yes! … and that means ALL of us!

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !

ANTIHIJACK TRUST: Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw

Anti Hijaack report
December 2010

This is the time for us to enjoy special time with family and friends over the festive season, after a packed year and hard work !... to reflect on all you have achieved and move forward into the New Year with confidence.
For those travelling, go well, travel safe and enjoy this time out. Please be very aware and alert whilst travelling on the main highways and roads throughout Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Please adhere to the rules of the road and arrive safely at your destination. Do NOT drink and drive, it’s not only your life but the lives around you which may suffer and may even prove to be fatal…..
Hopefully you have made adequate security arrangements for business and home premises and all home pets will be well taken care of whilst you are away.

The Trust wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year as we move into 2011 … be safe and secure. We thank all those of you that have given us the support over this past year and look forward to our good relationship in 2011

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !

ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 2010

November has been a busy month and as we head into the Festive Season … please ensure you have all security plans for home and business premises in place well in advance … do NOT leave it till the last minute as then it just may be too late!
It’s a busy time for all with the build up to Christmas and 2011 … and it’s also ‘shutdown’ for many companies after a long and eventful year! As we start winding down to spend time with family and friends and head out to relax make sure it is with a peaceful mind. We must remember that this is the prime time for good picking for the underworld and we have a high rate of unemployment with many desperate families so be sure to not leave temptation in view or your guard down when it comes to security ….. Let’s make sure it WILL be a Happy Christmas for us all.
There have been a few armed robberies reported mainly in the Avondale area … please be warned. Money being the main objective and at this time of the year we can least afford to lose it … it’s never a good time! Gate motors, swimming pool pumps are still on the hit list … and with all the long power cuts we have been experiencing this month, its difficult to have a backup system that can cope with it all. With the rainy season also upon us, there will be the usual if not more faults so be prepared the best way you can.
Please be careful when parking in open car parks … attending funerals, church, or any function etc as there have been reports of attempted break ins and robbery. Hopefully this will be kept in mind and security in these areas stepped up. Smash and grabs are still ongoing … so be vigilant at all times when approaching traffic light intersections. Keep alert on trips to the airport as this is an ongoing area of crime - both to and from the airport. Keep all luggage etc out of view and do not have anything on the seats or back shelf in the vehicle.
With all this in mind let’s head into the Festive Season with confidence of a happy time with our families and friends… support your local neighbourhood watch units and keep security as an important part of the agenda.

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE

ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR OCTOBER 2010

Hopefully we have all survived the hottest October for many years without too much stress and inconvenience – and remembered to keep the security and safety of home, family and business premises in mind. It has been reported that security grills and windows have been left open during the day for obvious reasons and then left in this state which has been an easy access and entry for the criminals - please be aware that to let your guard down could well lead to disaster. The gangs are not put off by day light hours and a case of midmorning robbery has occurred.
Please make sure that all staff keep up your security plan and are also aware to NOT let any strange person onto your property for any reason without you having given them the permission to do so. There have been reports of ‘bogus’ officials or criminals asking to see staff without knowing them personally, gaining entry. It is wise to keep the lock on the gate even during the day where possible.

Please be very aware when dropping and picking up your children from school parking areas there has been a cruising vehicle seen at quite a number of schools in various areas. This vehicle is a red Honda Prelude (AAV 3575) with dents along the right hand side. 3 male occupants reported seen in this vehicle. It is believed that they are involved with thefts from vehicles parked outside schools. Do not leave your valuables unattended in the car for even a moment - these guys are quick! If anyone sees this vehicle please call your nearest Police Station or Milton Park Police Station as they have been dealing with this case.

As the holiday season draws near please be sure to make the necessary arrangements to keep all home and business premises secure in your absence. Check all alarm systems and remotes, battery backup, on a regular basis especially with all the power cuts experienced, we have been warned that these will continue for a considerable period in the future. The rainy season is upon us and there will be faults in the electricity supply so be prepared.

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !

ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2010

It is with great sadness to report that the spiraling of crime in all areas has been rather alarming – and though many crime prevention patrols are being put in place there have been many reported cases of theft. Smash and Grabs are still very much in evidence, at not only the well known spots but many traffic lights in and around Harare. Please all be very vigilant when stopping and keep all mobile phones, wallets and valuables out of sight, do NOT leave items i.e. handbags, brief cases, coats, jerseys etc on the seats whilst driving. It is an invitation to the criminals. Be very aware of perpetrators creeping crouched along the side of your vehicle to either smash your window or grab anything that may be in sight, whilst stopped at traffic lights – keep watch in your side mirrors !
Reports of vehicles loitering in areas and driving extremely slowly along the roads and around and about casing the area just looking for the opportunity to rob the public - please report any suspicious vehicle to either your local Neighbourhood Watch hotline or your nearest Police Station. Vehicles have been sighted loitering near schools in a few areas, so be very aware when you drop off and pick up your children. It is wise to tell your children not to accept lifts or go away with anyone that they may not know, or you have not arranged a lift with – this is not to scare them but to keep them all safe.
Whilst traveling to ALL borders do NOT stop in lay byes for any reason, there has been another horrid case reported along the Beit Bridge road near Masvingo of the driver being badly beaten and robbed of suitcases, passports, money, camera and all documents. The intent was to kill the driver who fought back and managed to escape and flag down a vehicle for assistance. There have been numerous reports along this road, of which have been in print, so please be very careful and DO NOT stop unless at a petrol station or town.
There has been reports of handbag slashers where purses and large sums of money taken whilst in a shop or at the tills. It seems that these victims have been under surveillance and were known to have a large sum of cash in the handbag. Be very aware of your surrounding at all times and make sure your handbag is not easily accessible or carelessly left on the counter whilst paying.
Let’s make our Zimbabwe a safe place to visit and live in !

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !

ANTIHIJACK TRUST: Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw

ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR AUGUST 2010

August has seen an increase on crime again … mainly house robberies, with gate motors, swimming pool and borehole pumps being high on the list. Power cuts have been extremely long, and therefore perfect for the underworld to work in – it means that the upgrade of security is essential where at all possible. It seems that ALL suburbs have been targeted so take this is a WARN ING to be on your guard.

In Central Business District (City centre/surrounding areas) there have been reports of ‘missing’ vehicles which have turned out to be that vehicles have been clamped and then towed away by the City of Harare for parking in NO PARKING areas. Be warned, make sure you are in a parking area and that you have the parking discs displayed and filled in correctly. Do not double park and leave vehicles running as you are then leaving yourself wide open for theft as well as being on the wrong side of the law. Please keep in mind the safety of your vehicle. There is an increase of motorists not wearing seatbelts, talking on mobile phones without using the correct NO HANDS equipment available , jumping the traffic lights etc whilst travelling, - generally not being vigilant to the rules of the road, with an increase of accidents and sadly even loss of life due to carelessness. As motorists we must be fully aware and alert at all times, do NOT take other people’s lives in to your own hands, as so often is the case of the innocent victim being involved. Lets tame this road rage – be courteous to other motorists, its better to be safe than sorry at the end of the journey. We seem to have a’ motor ‘ jungle out there, let’s control it !

Smash and grabs are still occurring, so be warned, with the warmer weather around the corner, travelling with windows open with valuables etc left within reach or in view is not wise. Keep all items in the BOOT and out of sight. Travelling to and from the airport please make sure all baggage etc is safe and out of view. Its a stressful hassle when passports, money, tickets etc are stolen, this can all be avoided.

Our aim should be to see Zimbabwe as a safe and secure haven for us all to live in !

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !

ANTI HIJACK TRUST: NATIONAL HOTLINE: 091 2 242 512
TEL/FAX: HARARE 04-309870/309800 /091 2 221 921
Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw

ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR JULY 2010

July has been a bad month for smash and grabs from all the ‘hot spots’ reported previously - traffic lights on Churchill Rd near Second Street and onto Borrowdale Road respectively. Keep aware of your surroundings whilst approaching ALL traffic lights and STOP streets. There have been reports of being followed from the Airport and a tyre being slashed and then the perpetrators pulling in behind the vehicle offering to ‘help’ change the damaged wheel. During this time the victims being robbed of ‘baggage’ including valuables whilst they are distracted in sorting the problem out.. Where possible it may be wise to drive on as far as possible on the damaged wheel into the nearest service station or public parking area as to not be an isolated sitting target on the side of the road. This is happening in broad daylight hours so please be very careful and aware whilst dropping and collecting people from the Airport. It is wise to have nothing in view or lying on the seats or back window ledges. Whilst traveling between cities and towns do NOT stop at lay byes this is not reliably safe! With the long weekend coming up please be very vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times and take note of other vehicles traveling behind you, this may save you from becoming the next victim .

Borehole, swimming pool and gate motors are still prime targets and it seems to be mostly during load shedding hours in ALL areas. Information received that Police Stations are sending out patrols in their stated areas to try combat crime and we ask the public to try an assist where possible.’ Neighbourhood Watch’ is a big benefit but these groups need not only funds but the physical support of ALL living in the area not just a faithful few to carry this out. It takes man power and persons in the ‘field’ to make it worthwhile and affective and if every house occupant played a part however small it would not then be such a big mission and would be spaced out over a longer period of time. This is food for thought for us all. We all want to live in a crime free area for the safety of all concerned.

Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and

		AAZ for all your motoring needs - you can afford to be a member, but you can't afford not to!
About the AA \| Road Maps \| History of the AA of Zimbabwe \| A to Z of the Automobile Association of Zimbabwe \| Join the AA of Zimbabwe \| Members' Magazine \| Zimbabwe Information \| Links \| Home ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR JANUARY 2011 As we start the new year 2011 … lets all make security, in both homes and business premises a priority – it’s so easy to be wise ‘after the event’ let’s try to get on top of crime in our beloved country. This includes the security for all motor vehicles and to be aware and alert at all times, and advise the public of what is going on in Zimbabwe, it helps to put the alert button ON. The Trust would like to thank the Zimbabwe Insurance Council for their support in securing mobile phones without your help we are unable to get the latest news and incidents going on out there in the field. To Track It your ongoing support in getting the update out to the public is invaluable We have some unscrupulous people posing as mechanics, spray painters etc offering to sort your car out at a very reasonable price until the final exorbitant bill arrives. They are gunning for the elderly and woman they feel may be a soft target – areas that have been reported as business areas are Borrowdale near the Post Office and Strathaven Shopping Centre …. It is often not wise to use back street businesses as there is no come back on quotes, the standard of repair work, and mostly you are left out of pocket and the business men are nowhere to be found. It is wise to use a firm that has a good reputation but may cost that little bit more or seem to be more but where the job is guaranteed. We are all looking to save and get the best deal for our money – but be warned of the con men out there! We all need to take care and be more alert and aware of the rules of the road the driving seems to be deteriorating at an alarming rate on our roads and careless accidents occurring – road rage is the order of the day and let the best nerve win … come on, is a new year and let’s try and keep within the law and fatal accidents from happening – Drive with more care and attention please …. Yes! … and that means ALL of us! Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE ! ANTIHIJACK TRUST: Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw Anti Hijaack report December 2010 This is the time for us to enjoy special time with family and friends over the festive season, after a packed year and hard work !... to reflect on all you have achieved and move forward into the New Year with confidence. For those travelling, go well, travel safe and enjoy this time out. Please be very aware and alert whilst travelling on the main highways and roads throughout Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. Please adhere to the rules of the road and arrive safely at your destination. Do NOT drink and drive, it’s not only your life but the lives around you which may suffer and may even prove to be fatal….. Hopefully you have made adequate security arrangements for business and home premises and all home pets will be well taken care of whilst you are away. The Trust wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year as we move into 2011 … be safe and secure. We thank all those of you that have given us the support over this past year and look forward to our good relationship in 2011 Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE ! ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER 2010 November has been a busy month and as we head into the Festive Season … please ensure you have all security plans for home and business premises in place well in advance … do NOT leave it till the last minute as then it just may be too late! It’s a busy time for all with the build up to Christmas and 2011 … and it’s also ‘shutdown’ for many companies after a long and eventful year! As we start winding down to spend time with family and friends and head out to relax make sure it is with a peaceful mind. We must remember that this is the prime time for good picking for the underworld and we have a high rate of unemployment with many desperate families so be sure to not leave temptation in view or your guard down when it comes to security ….. Let’s make sure it WILL be a Happy Christmas for us all. There have been a few armed robberies reported mainly in the Avondale area … please be warned. Money being the main objective and at this time of the year we can least afford to lose it … it’s never a good time! Gate motors, swimming pool pumps are still on the hit list … and with all the long power cuts we have been experiencing this month, its difficult to have a backup system that can cope with it all. With the rainy season also upon us, there will be the usual if not more faults so be prepared the best way you can. Please be careful when parking in open car parks … attending funerals, church, or any function etc as there have been reports of attempted break ins and robbery. Hopefully this will be kept in mind and security in these areas stepped up. Smash and grabs are still ongoing … so be vigilant at all times when approaching traffic light intersections. Keep alert on trips to the airport as this is an ongoing area of crime - both to and from the airport. Keep all luggage etc out of view and do not have anything on the seats or back shelf in the vehicle. With all this in mind let’s head into the Festive Season with confidence of a happy time with our families and friends… support your local neighbourhood watch units and keep security as an important part of the agenda. Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR OCTOBER 2010 Hopefully we have all survived the hottest October for many years without too much stress and inconvenience – and remembered to keep the security and safety of home, family and business premises in mind. It has been reported that security grills and windows have been left open during the day for obvious reasons and then left in this state which has been an easy access and entry for the criminals - please be aware that to let your guard down could well lead to disaster. The gangs are not put off by day light hours and a case of midmorning robbery has occurred. Please make sure that all staff keep up your security plan and are also aware to NOT let any strange person onto your property for any reason without you having given them the permission to do so. There have been reports of ‘bogus’ officials or criminals asking to see staff without knowing them personally, gaining entry. It is wise to keep the lock on the gate even during the day where possible. Please be very aware when dropping and picking up your children from school parking areas there has been a cruising vehicle seen at quite a number of schools in various areas. This vehicle is a red Honda Prelude (AAV 3575) with dents along the right hand side. 3 male occupants reported seen in this vehicle. It is believed that they are involved with thefts from vehicles parked outside schools. Do not leave your valuables unattended in the car for even a moment - these guys are quick! If anyone sees this vehicle please call your nearest Police Station or Milton Park Police Station as they have been dealing with this case. As the holiday season draws near please be sure to make the necessary arrangements to keep all home and business premises secure in your absence. Check all alarm systems and remotes, battery backup, on a regular basis especially with all the power cuts experienced, we have been warned that these will continue for a considerable period in the future. The rainy season is upon us and there will be faults in the electricity supply so be prepared. Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE ! ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2010 It is with great sadness to report that the spiraling of crime in all areas has been rather alarming – and though many crime prevention patrols are being put in place there have been many reported cases of theft. Smash and Grabs are still very much in evidence, at not only the well known spots but many traffic lights in and around Harare. Please all be very vigilant when stopping and keep all mobile phones, wallets and valuables out of sight, do NOT leave items i.e. handbags, brief cases, coats, jerseys etc on the seats whilst driving. It is an invitation to the criminals. Be very aware of perpetrators creeping crouched along the side of your vehicle to either smash your window or grab anything that may be in sight, whilst stopped at traffic lights – keep watch in your side mirrors ! Reports of vehicles loitering in areas and driving extremely slowly along the roads and around and about casing the area just looking for the opportunity to rob the public - please report any suspicious vehicle to either your local Neighbourhood Watch hotline or your nearest Police Station. Vehicles have been sighted loitering near schools in a few areas, so be very aware when you drop off and pick up your children. It is wise to tell your children not to accept lifts or go away with anyone that they may not know, or you have not arranged a lift with – this is not to scare them but to keep them all safe. Whilst traveling to ALL borders do NOT stop in lay byes for any reason, there has been another horrid case reported along the Beit Bridge road near Masvingo of the driver being badly beaten and robbed of suitcases, passports, money, camera and all documents. The intent was to kill the driver who fought back and managed to escape and flag down a vehicle for assistance. There have been numerous reports along this road, of which have been in print, so please be very careful and DO NOT stop unless at a petrol station or town. There has been reports of handbag slashers where purses and large sums of money taken whilst in a shop or at the tills. It seems that these victims have been under surveillance and were known to have a large sum of cash in the handbag. Be very aware of your surrounding at all times and make sure your handbag is not easily accessible or carelessly left on the counter whilst paying. Let’s make our Zimbabwe a safe place to visit and live in ! Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE ! ANTIHIJACK TRUST: Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR AUGUST 2010 August has seen an increase on crime again … mainly house robberies, with gate motors, swimming pool and borehole pumps being high on the list. Power cuts have been extremely long, and therefore perfect for the underworld to work in – it means that the upgrade of security is essential where at all possible. It seems that ALL suburbs have been targeted so take this is a WARN ING to be on your guard. In Central Business District (City centre/surrounding areas) there have been reports of ‘missing’ vehicles which have turned out to be that vehicles have been clamped and then towed away by the City of Harare for parking in NO PARKING areas. Be warned, make sure you are in a parking area and that you have the parking discs displayed and filled in correctly. Do not double park and leave vehicles running as you are then leaving yourself wide open for theft as well as being on the wrong side of the law. Please keep in mind the safety of your vehicle. There is an increase of motorists not wearing seatbelts, talking on mobile phones without using the correct NO HANDS equipment available , jumping the traffic lights etc whilst travelling, - generally not being vigilant to the rules of the road, with an increase of accidents and sadly even loss of life due to carelessness. As motorists we must be fully aware and alert at all times, do NOT take other people’s lives in to your own hands, as so often is the case of the innocent victim being involved. Lets tame this road rage – be courteous to other motorists, its better to be safe than sorry at the end of the journey. We seem to have a’ motor ‘ jungle out there, let’s control it ! Smash and grabs are still occurring, so be warned, with the warmer weather around the corner, travelling with windows open with valuables etc left within reach or in view is not wise. Keep all items in the BOOT and out of sight. Travelling to and from the airport please make sure all baggage etc is safe and out of view. Its a stressful hassle when passports, money, tickets etc are stolen, this can all be avoided. Our aim should be to see Zimbabwe as a safe and secure haven for us all to live in ! Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE ! ANTI HIJACK TRUST: NATIONAL HOTLINE: 091 2 242 512 TEL/FAX: HARARE 04-309870/309800 /091 2 221 921 Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR JULY 2010 July has been a bad month for smash and grabs from all the ‘hot spots’ reported previously - traffic lights on Churchill Rd near Second Street and onto Borrowdale Road respectively. Keep aware of your surroundings whilst approaching ALL traffic lights and STOP streets. There have been reports of being followed from the Airport and a tyre being slashed and then the perpetrators pulling in behind the vehicle offering to ‘help’ change the damaged wheel. During this time the victims being robbed of ‘baggage’ including valuables whilst they are distracted in sorting the problem out.. Where possible it may be wise to drive on as far as possible on the damaged wheel into the nearest service station or public parking area as to not be an isolated sitting target on the side of the road. This is happening in broad daylight hours so please be very careful and aware whilst dropping and collecting people from the Airport. It is wise to have nothing in view or lying on the seats or back window ledges. Whilst traveling between cities and towns do NOT stop at lay byes this is not reliably safe! With the long weekend coming up please be very vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times and take note of other vehicles traveling behind you, this may save you from becoming the next victim . Borehole, swimming pool and gate motors are still prime targets and it seems to be mostly during load shedding hours in ALL areas. Information received that Police Stations are sending out patrols in their stated areas to try combat crime and we ask the public to try an assist where possible.’ Neighbourhood Watch’ is a big benefit but these groups need not only funds but the physical support of ALL living in the area not just a faithful few to carry this out. It takes man power and persons in the ‘field’ to make it worthwhile and affective and if every house occupant played a part however small it would not then be such a big mission and would be spaced out over a longer period of time. This is food for thought for us all. We all want to live in a crime free area for the safety of all concerned. Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and About the AA \| Road Maps \| History of the AA of Zimbabwe \| A to Z of the Automobile Association of Zimbabwe \| Join the AA of Zimbabwe \| Members' Magazine \| Zimbabwe Information \| Links \| Home
Head Office: 2 Kenilworth Road Newlands,, Harare, Zimbabwe Tel: (263) - (04) - 788173/4/5/6 Fax: (263) - (04) - 776961 - 24 Hr National Helpline : (263) - (04) - 776760 - (04) 2931378 & 2932089 e-mail: aazhohre@zol.co.zw