Just like hijack-incidents, smash-and-grab incidents are on the rise in the Helderberg region. Unfortunately if you live in South Africa and drive around a lot, especially in certain areas, getting robbed while sitting in your car is very likely. Here are some very worthy tips from Helderberg Against Crime to help prevent a smash-and-grab incident from happening to you.
A smash and grab usually plays on the element of speed and surprise -The violent smashing of the window at the passenger side places the motorist in a few moments of silent paralysis – just enough to get hold of the valuables and flee the scene!
What is being targeted?
The thieves are usually after valuables which they can easily identify from outside the vehicle and sell as easily once removed from the possession of the motorists. Items targeted include:
Purses, hand bags and wallets
Laptop bags, briefcases and backpacks
Shopping bags
Cell phones, MP3 players and tablets
Loose change and CDs
Keys
Who are most vulnerable?
The victims are most often single drivers with belongings on the passenger seat.
Criminals tend to focus on female drivers well knowing that they are less likely to chase after them.
Drivers who are distracted are most vulnerable – those busy on the cellular phone or with a cigarette in the hand.
Vehicles left unattended away from the crowds and with valuables visible are easy targets for a quick smash-and-grab.
Methods used and Modus Operandi:
Criminals will focus on those areas where they know traffic is often congested and where vehicles will remain stationary for a while.
These criminals also will often work in pairs where one will pose as a vendor, distracting the attention of the driver while the other party will perform the smash –and-grab from the passenger side.
Objects are sometimes placed on the road and motorists make the mistake of leaving their vehicles to remove these objects. This is when the vehicles are then easily targeted.
Communication technology such as cellular phones has also enabled these criminals to identify potential victims from a bridge or position of elevation and to relay this message to their partners in crime further along the road.
The person making the smash and grab will most likely select the scene of the crime as an area where a fast getaway would be possible for him and any pursuit would be difficult.
Even though it is not always possible to avoid the so-called “hotspots” where these criminals prey on unsuspecting motorists, it is possible to reduce the risk of becoming a smash and grab the victim. Motorists can make these burglaries more difficult. Smash-and-grab car burglars don't want difficult challenges and would rather prefer to move on when they suspect hurdles to the swift execution of these crimes.
Here are a few tips to avoid being a victim:
1. Always keep all doors locked.
2. Never open your windows or get into discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers.
3. Do not leave your handbag, cellphone or anything of value in plain sight.
4. Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
5. If it’s late at night, slow down well in advance so that the light changes green by the time you reach the intersection.
6. Keep an eye out for any obstacles on the road (e.g. tyres or rocks). Note: Do not get out of your car to remove these.
7. Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to escape (i.e. drive away from the scene), if anything should happen.
8. Be especially wary whenever you see broken glass lying on the road. If the pieces of glass are still scattered across the road, chances are that a smash and grab occurred just recently.
9. If you don’t have smash and grab film installed, leave your window open slightly (approximately 3 cm, but less than 5 cm) whilst driving. This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if they’re struck by a sharp object.
10. Fit your window with protective smash and grab film.
The cautious driver will be able to prevent most incidents of smash-and-grab. If there is nothing to grab there is no reason for the window to be smashed! Trust your instincts. If you see suspicious activity, find somewhere else to park. We would like to urge motorists to report suspicious activity to the proper authorities - you can help prevent others from becoming a victim of a smash-and-grab or another crime!
Feel free to share this with your friends and loved one's so we can always be a few steps ahead of these criminals.
Keep in touch and help create more awareness in the Helderberg area by following our facebook group.