The City of Ekurhuleni in Gauteng has issued a warning to motorists to remain vigilant at both fast food drive-thrus due to a notable increase in criminal activities and scams at these locations.

Law enforcement officials in the city have identified an alarming trend where drive-thrus are increasingly being targeted by criminals, reported TopAuto.

Although there are several locations where motorists can be at risk of being victimised, the South African Police Service (SAPS) officials in Ekurhuleni have observed a rising trend of criminal activity at fast-food drive-thrus.

An increasingly popular method being used by criminals in South Africa is to target vehicles when they are trapped and unable to move, such as on a motorway off-ramp or while paying for a parking ticket. A recent viral video in Durban highlighted this issue.

Fast food drive-thrus are the latest hotspot for these attempted robberies, as Ekurhuleni has recorded incidents of thieves barricading a targeted victim’s car while in the queue to order and pick up their food.

With the individual unable to escape, the thieves, who are usually armed, rob them of their personal belongings such as handbags and cellphones or may even try to hijack the car.

In hijacking cases, the criminals typically wait until the target is near the front of the queue, as this gives them a better chance to make a quick getaway.

Two cars are usually involved, with one following the target from behind to prevent them from fleeing in reverse, while the other car does the same in front, with the suspects jumping out and surprising the victim.

Security experts have provided the following advice to avoid becoming a victim of one of these attempts:

• Keep your bags in the boot where they aren’t visible;
• Have your cash and card on hand for a quick payment and exit;
• Avoid any retail establishments that are dimly lit or isolated at night;
• Keep all your windows and doors closed while waiting for your order;
• Try and only order food at peak times when patronage is at its highest; and
• If possible, don’t take children with you to the drive-thru, as they can be distracting.

Read: Warning over new hijacking trend hitting South Africa’s largest province