Crime in SA | Thieves target hair extension and wig shipments

JOHANNESBURG - Shipments containing wigs and hair extensions are increasingly being hijacked upon arrival in South Africa.

The increased incidents of theft have led to wigs and hair extensions becoming one of the most insured goods in the country.

According to Hollard, hair extension imports to South Africa have increased by 64 percent in the last four years.

READ: Hair raising business: Curbing wig theft

Imports total approximately R1.1-billion per year.

Hair has become more popular in recent years, but it is expensive, and the black market is now taking advantage of the increased demand.

Hollard says that it has seen an increase of 37 percent in claims related to hair extensions over the last year.