YOUR VEHICLE.
TRACKED. PROTECTED.
WITH NETSTAR.

Vehicle crime remains a major concern for many South African drivers. From theft to hijacking, protecting your vehicle – and the people inside it – is more important than ever. The Netstar Early Warning package is designed to provide more than just basic tracking. It combines smart alerts, emergency features, and advanced recovery technology to help keep drivers safer on the road.

Here's a closer look at what the Early Warning package offers and how it benefits South African motorists.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery

One of the key features of the Early Warning package is stolen vehicle recovery. If your vehicle is stolen or hijacked, Netstar's tracking technology helps recovery teams locate and recover it as quickly as possible.

Benefit: Faster response and a greater chance of recovering your vehicle.

Early Warning Alerts

The system is designed to detect suspicious activity around your vehicle. If unusual movement or possible tampering is detected, alerts can be triggered so action can be taken quickly.

Benefit: Early detection helps stop theft before criminals get far.

Panic Button for Emergencies

The Early Warning package includes a panic button that allows you to request help instantly in an emergency. When activated, it alerts the Netstar control centre so assistance can be arranged.

Benefit: Immediate access to help when you need it most.

Auto-Arm Proximity Tag

The auto-arm tag adds another layer of security. If the tag is not detected near the vehicle, the system can automatically activate alerts if the vehicle is moved or tampered with.

Benefit: Protects your vehicle even when you're not nearby.

Tow-Away and Tamper Alerts

If your vehicle is towed without the ignition being used or if someone attempts to disconnect the battery, the system can trigger an alert.

Benefit: Helps detect theft attempts while your vehicle is parked.

Live Tracking and Trip History

Through the MyNetstar platform, you can view your vehicle's live location and trip history. This allows you to keep track of where your vehicle is and review previous journeys.

Benefit: Greater visibility and control over your vehicle's movements.

A Smarter Layer of Protection

Vehicle tracking today is about more than just recovering a stolen car. The Early Warning package from Netstar combines early alerts, emergency response tools, and advanced tracking technology to give drivers an extra layer of protection.

For South African drivers, that added peace of mind can make all the difference.

Vehicle theft and hijackings remain a serious concern for many drivers across South Africa. According to the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service, thousands of vehicles are stolen or hijacked every year.

While no solution can eliminate the risk entirely, there are several simple precautions drivers can take to make their vehicles less attractive to criminals.

Here are five practical ways to reduce your risk:

1. Stay alert when arriving or leaving your home
Many vehicle thefts and hijackings happen in driveways or just outside homes. Always be aware of your surroundings when pulling into your driveway or leaving your property. If something feels suspicious — such as unfamiliar vehicles or people nearby — drive past and circle the block before entering.

2. Avoid predictable routines
Criminals often watch targets for days before acting. If possible, vary the times you leave home, arrive at work, or visit regular locations. Small changes in routine can make it harder for criminals to plan an opportunity.

3. Park in well-lit, busy areas
When parking in public spaces, choose areas that are well-lit and have high foot traffic. Avoid isolated parking spots, especially at night. The more visible your vehicle is, the less likely criminals are to target it.

4. Keep valuables out of sight
Leaving bags, laptops, or other valuables visible inside your car can attract unwanted attention. Even small items can tempt criminals to break in. Always place valuables in the boot or take them with you.

5. Install a reliable vehicle tracking system
Even with precautions, vehicle crime can still happen. A professional tracking system adds an important layer of protection by helping recovery teams locate stolen vehicles quickly and assist drivers during emergencies. Technology from companies like Netstar is designed to help improve vehicle recovery and provide drivers with additional peace of mind on the road.

According to the latest crime stats released by SAPS, more than 4 400 vehicles were hijacked in just 3 months- that's nearly 48 hijackings every day. This is a great concern for all car drivers on the roads- whether you're an Uber driver on your next trip, a dad taking his kids to school in the morning, a woman on her way to work on the highway. Hijackers will not think twice before attempting to steal your car. In fact, they favour cars that blend in and can move through traffic without attracting attention. The most targeted car models include VW Polo, Hyundai Grand i10, Hissan Almera, Hyundai Venue, Suzuki Ertiga, Nissan NP200. They will also go for common colours, like white or silver, since they'd be difficult to spot on the roads.

For many South Africans, getting into the car every morning has become more than just part of the daily routine. You check your surroundings, lock the doors as soon as you enter, make sure any valuables are out of sight. At every red light, you do the same: check your surroundings, make sure your phone and wallet are not visible, make sure your doors are locked. You do the same with the people you care for; making sure they message you when they arrive safely, timing their journey, anticipating the worst until you know they are safe and you can breathe again. With vehicle theft and hijackings continuing to affect thousands of drivers each year, safety on the road is something many people think about more than ever before.

This is where vehicle tracking technology has become an important layer of protection. Modern tracking systems allow response teams to quickly locate stolen vehicles, improving the chances of recovery and helping drivers feel more secure behind the wheel. With Netstar, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is being tracked 24/7, with everything being easily accessible via the app. Netstar isn't just tracking – it's vehicle recovery as well. The company has a 95% recovery rate, with armed response working closely with SAPS to recover the vehicle as quickly as possible, using the device's live tracking updates.

So, how exactly does it work? Once your Netstar device has been fitted to your car, it becomes active. You will be able to track your car on the app, "MyNetstar". Should you be involved in an accident, your Netstar device will immediately detect the impact, and attempt to contact you. If they are unable to reach you, they will send emergency services to your live location. In the event that your car is stolen, the proximity tag will alert their control centre, and they will begin the process of tracking and recovering your vehicle. Netstar has private crews that they dedicate to every case, and they work in conjunction with SAPS, although they do not rely solely on their assistance.

For many women in South Africa, driving is no longer just about getting from point A to B — it's about staying alert, prepared, and protected at all times.

While recent data shows slight fluctuations in crime trends, the reality remains: vehicle-related crime is still a major concern, especially for women who are often targeted due to perceived vulnerability.

The Reality: Vehicle Crime in South Africa (2025–2026)

South Africa continues to face high levels of hijacking and vehicle-related crime:

• Around 50–65 vehicles are hijacked every day in South Africa.
• Over 4,400 hijackings were recorded in just one quarter (late 2025).
• More than 22,000 hijackings occur annually.
• Public reports show hijacking experiences increased by up to 25.9% between 2024 and 2025.

Even though some quarters show slight decreases, experts agree: 👉 The risk remains high and unpredictable, especially in urban areas and everyday locations like parking lots, driveways, and intersections. Criminal tactics are also evolving — with incidents now happening earlier in the day and during the week, not just at night.

Why Women Are More Vulnerable on the Road

While anyone can be a victim, women often face additional risks:

• Perceived as less physically threatening.
• More likely to drive alone, especially during errands or school runs.
• Often targeted in parking areas, quiet streets, or while distracted.
• Increased risk of secondary crimes like kidnapping linked to hijackings.

This makes awareness and proactive safety measures critical.

Essential Driver Safety Tips for Women in SA.

1. Stay Alert at All Times.

   Avoid distractions like texting, adjusting navigation, or digging through your bag while stationary.

   👉 Always scan your surroundings — especially at:

   • Traffic lights
   • Parking lots
   • Driveways
2. Lock Immediately, Move Quickly

   The moment you enter your vehicle:

   • Lock your doors.
   • Start your car.
   • Leave without delay.

   Many hijackings happen in the first few seconds of entering or exiting a vehicle.

3. Be Smart About Parking.
   • Choose well-lit, busy areas.
   • Avoid isolated parking spots.
   • If something feels off — trust your instincts and leave.
4. Keep Valuables Out of Sight.

   Visible handbags, laptops, or phones make you an easy target for smash-and-grabs.

5. Vary Your Routine.

   Criminals often observe patterns. Avoid predictable routes, times, and habits where possible.

6. Trust Your Instincts.

   If something feels wrong:

   • Drive away.
   • Don't stop to engage.
   • Head to a busy or secure location.

Why Safety Awareness Alone Is Not Enough.

Even the most cautious driver cannot control every situation.

Hijackers are:

• Organised.
• Armed.
• Increasingly bold.

This is where technology becomes your strongest line of defence.

Why You Need a Netstar Device.

A Netstar vehicle tracking device is not just about recovering your car — it's about protecting your life.

1. Immediate Emergency Response.

   With a panic button, help is just one press away — crucial in high-stress situations where seconds matter.

2. Early Warning Alerts.

   Advanced features (like driver recognition tags) can detect suspicious activity and alert you before a hijacking escalates.

3. 24/7 Monitoring & Recovery.

   Tracking systems significantly improve recovery rates by:

   • Pinpointing your vehicle's location.
   • Dispatching recovery teams.

   Technology like this has already enabled tens of thousands of successful recoveries nationwide.

4. Peace of Mind for You and Your Family.

   Whether you're:

   • Driving alone.
   • Dropping off kids.
   • Commuting to work.

   A tracking device ensures someone always knows where you are — and can act fast if something goes wrong.

The Bottom Line.

Driving in South Africa requires more than just caution — it requires preparedness.

For women especially:

• Awareness helps.
• Smart habits reduce risk.
• But technology saves lives.

A Netstar device adds a critical layer of protection — turning a vulnerable situation into one where help is immediate, and recovery is possible.

References.

1. South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Statistics – 2024/2025 & 2025 updates.
2. Emer-G-Med / Emergivac – South Africa Crime Statistics 2025.
3. BusinessTech – Hijacking trends and victim reports (2026).
4. BusinessDay – Quarterly crime statistics updates (2025–2026).
5. TopAuto & SAPS quarterly reports – daily hijacking averages.
6. Africa Check – Annual hijacking figures.
7. Cartrack Insights – Hijacking trends and recovery services.
8. ISS & national crime analyses – broader crime context.