Avoid falling victim to a smash-and-grab

The violent smashing of the window at the passenger side places the motorist in a few moments of silent paralysis, just time enough for the criminal to get hold of the valuables and flee the scene.

These car burglaries can be expensive, from the cost of repairs to the vehicle and windows to replacing your belongings. The victims will most likely be traumatised and feel victimised for quite some time.

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, handbags and wallets,
• laptop bags, briefcases and backpacks,
• shopping bags,
• cellphones, MP3 players and tablets,
• loose change and CDs,
• keys.

The victims are most often single drivers with belongings on the passenger seat.

Criminals tend to focus on female drivers, well aware that they are less likely to chase after them.

Drivers who are distracted are most vulnerable because they are often busy on a cellphone 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.

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.

The smash-and-grabber will most likely select the scene of the crime in 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 victim.

Motorists can make these burglaries more difficult; smash-and-grab car burglars don’t want difficult challenges and would prefer to move on when they suspect hurdles to the swift execution of these crimes.

Safety measures:

• Safe driving.
• Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving. Never open vehicle windows or doors for strangers.
• Avoid opening your windows or getting involved in discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers.
• Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious-looking characters.
• Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.

If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tyres do not get out of your vehicle to remove them — immediately reverse and drive off in the opposite direction.

If it’s late at night, slow down well in advance, so that the light changes to green by the time you reach the intersection.

Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you, to give you room to escape if anything should happen.

Reduce the chances of becoming a target by removing that which the criminals are trying to get their hands on.

Window safety film

Protective safety film is pasted onto vehicle windows to help prevent smash-and-grab incidents. The protective film is usually tinted so that no one can see into the car, while also preventing the windows from shattering.

While the glass breaks, the film holds the pieces in place, which further protects you from broken glass.

Although smash-and-grab film may not prevent such incidents from taking place, it will give you a few extra minutes to recompose yourself and drive away safely.

If you don’t have smash-and-grab film installed, leave your window open slightly (approximately 3cm, but less than 5cm) while driving.

This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if it is struck with a sharp object.

•  Information obtained from www.arrivealive.co.za