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How to avoid a smash-and-grab
JOBURG – Tips on how to avoid being a victim of smash-and-grab.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2019/02/smash-and-grab_2000739_9327379_4630816_3106171.jpg)
Smash-and-grab incidents are one of the biggest crimes in South Africa.
Anyone can be a victim of this crime, however, there are ways in which it can be prevented.
Midrand Community Police Forum has outlined a few tips so people can avoid this crime:
- Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to you give room to escape if anything should happen.
- Be wary of people standing at the intersections – they may be innocent, but they could also be perpetrators waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
- Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving. Never open vehicle windows or doors for strangers.
- Don’t have bags, cell phones, briefcases or other valuables visible inside the vehicle – valuables attract thieves who may break your window.
- Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when approaching an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
- Avoid opening your windows or getting involved in discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers. Be consistently on the lookout for suspicious activity and trust your instinct.
- 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.
- If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Reverse and drive off in the opposite direction.
Related article:
https://midrandreporter.co.za/video_of_the_day/thebigissue-smash-grab/
https://midrandreporter.co.za/207602/protect-vehicle-crime-stay-safe-roads/