Although the so-called smash-and grab incidents are reportedly on the rise, the powers that be believe there is a way motorists can avoid falling victim.
Last week, the country woke up to a video that left many motorists upset and some fearing for their lives.
In the clip, which was captured in Paulshof, a man can be seen walking along cars and begging. Seconds later, he breaks a vehicle’s window and seemingly steals something from of the car before fleeing the scene.
According to Mr Clive Humphreys, the central managing director for ADT, the incident indicates that the trend is moving from the inner city to the suburbs.
As far as Bedfordview is concerned, the station commander for the Bedfordview Police Station, Colonel Sevha Shiburi, said the corner of Boeing Road and Van der Linde was a hotspot as many smash-and-grab cases were reported there.
“We urge motorists to not give beggars money because they can sometimes get aggressive and threaten your life,” said Col Shiburi.
Mr Humphrey said while most people close their windows when stopping at a traffic light, leaving the window slightly open, say three centimetres, can make the window more flexible and more resistant to shattering.
He said this allows the window to absorb most of the impact by being less rigid, while not leaving enough room for the criminal to stick his hand through.
“Remember that smash-and-grabbers rely on the element of 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. It is therefore important not to leave any valuables on the front seat with you, or in the back,” he added.
According to Arrive Alive, thieves are usually after valuables they can easily identify from outside the vehicle and those they can sell quickly.
Mr Humphreys said motorists should remain alert when coming to an intersection, or stopping their vehicle, no matter what time of the day it is.
He said, “It is also wise to leave a following distance between you and the car in front of you to give you room to escape, should anything happen. If it’s late at night, slow down long enough in advance so that the light changes green by the time you get to it.”
A motorist from Bedfordview advised motorists to fit their windows with a polycarb film.
“These prevent the windows from shattering. Also, people must avoid getting in discussions with street vendors, or anyone handing out flyers as not all of them are genuine,” said the 34-year-old.
