What to Do in a Hijacking

If you’ve been involved in a hijacking, you know this is a terrifying and stressful experience to go through. It’s not a fun topic to think about, but a hijacking could happen to you or someone you care about at any time.

Thankfully HelpMe has the solution for you with our Guardian Alert. Guardian Alert is a unique service that we provide that won’t necessarily prevent a hijacking from happening but will alert us if you’re in distress to send out a response team directly to you. Whether you’re in the process of being hijacked or believe you’re at high risk, our response team can be summoned to your exact location with just the push of a button.

While you’re waiting for our response team to reach you, there are also a few important things you can do to protect yourself in a dangerous situation like this. The critical thing to remember is to stay calm and do as your hijackers ask. If they don’t think you pose any threat to them, they’ll most likely take what they want and leave quickly. To keep yourself safe, check our list of the top 10 things you can do in a hijacking below:

10 things you can do in a hijacking

1. Do not lose your temper, threaten, or challenge the hijacker.
2. Do not resist or try to put up a fight, especially if the hijacker has a weapon. Surrender your vehicle and move away. If you can, try to put as much distance between you and hijackers as possible.
3. Do not try to reach for your valuables or try to hand them over to the hijackers. Leave them where they are and get out of your vehicle.
4. Try not to make any eye contact with your hijacker. They may get agitated by this or take it as a sign of aggressive or defiant behaviour.
5. Always keep your hands visible for the hijacker, so they know you are not a threat.
6. Speak clearly and slowly, so your hijacker doesn’t get agitated and move slowly, so they don’t get alarmed by any of your actions.
7. Gather as much information as you can about your attackers. Any details you can remember are helpful.
   • How many people?
   • What type of weapons did they use?
   • What type of clothing were your attackers wearing?
   • Which direction did they drive off in?
   • Did they speak a specific language, or did they have an accent?
8. If you still have your phone or can do it in time before giving it to your hijackers, hit the Guardian Alert button on the HelpMe App.
9. Wait for Guardian Alert’s responders to assist you at the scene. If you are injured, they will also help with summoning emergency medical services directly to your location.
10. Last but not least, if you haven’t signed up to HelpMe, then do so today so you can have your own personal crisis response team in your pocket.

With HelpMe, you can have a response team for your different emergency needs, from hijackings to vehicle breakdowns. Our 24/7 Crisis Response Centre will help guide you through your emergency and contact the relevant responders to assist you at just the push of a button. Find out more about how HelpMe can assist you today!