NEWCASTLE KZN: Here’s how to prevent becoming a ‘smash and grab’ victim

According to Newcastle police, people who pounce on unsuspecting drivers have turned some pleasant rides into nightmares.

“They smash the window or open an unlocked door and grab whatever they regard as of value,” explained Lizzy Arumugam of Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications.

She has therefore advised motorists, whether their vehicles are moving or stationary, to keep the following advice in mind:

• Lock all your doors and close all the windows: “Thieves steal handbags and other valuables by opening car doors or even by breaking windows while your car is stationary at traffic lights or stuck in slow-moving traffic,” explained Arumugam.
• Don’t have bags, cellphones, briefcases or other valuables visible in the vehicle: “Lock all valuables in the boot of your car or behind the seat if it is a bakkie,” she advised.
• Be constantly on the look-out for suspicious-looking characters and don’t hesitate to report them to the police.
• When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green and therefore do not need to stop.
• Be wary of people standing at traffic lights or intersections: “They may be innocent, but perpetrators mix with these people while waiting for an opportunity to pounce. They may even point to something being wrong with your window to get you to open the window or get out of your vehicle,” warned Arumugam.
• Never open your vehicle door or window for any stranger.
• If you encounter obstacles in the road, such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them: “Immediately reverse and drive off in the opposite direction,” advised Arumugam.
• Thieves target car parks, so always park your car in attended parking lots.
• When parking at night, ensure you always park in a well-lit area.
• Never sit in your vehicle without being fully conscious of your surroundings; sleeping in a stationary vehicle is very dangerous.
• If possible, remove radios, CD or cassette players.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, not even for a moment: “Take them with you, wherever you go. Children often innocently allow access to your car and belongings to criminals and inadvertently put themselves in danger,” concluded Arumugam.

Do you think Newcastle has any ‘smash and grab’ hotspots? Comment on our Facebook page and we will pass this information to the Newcastle SAPS.

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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

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