Smash-and-grabs can turn your pleasant drive or outing into a nightmare. So be cautious!

Robbers are normally on the lookout for distracted drivers with clearly visible valuable items that are easy to access.  “They are looking for something that they can easily and quickly grab before running off while the driver is too shocked and surprised to respond. Laptops and handbags on front seats are popular items that have been stolen in smash-and-grabs,”, explains Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager at Fidelity ADT.

What can you do to protect yourself?

“The two most important things to do, is to always pay attention to your surroundings and to never leave valuable items in clear sight to any passing pedestrian. Criminals don’t need a lot of time to strike.

 These important tips can help:

•             Leave valuable items in the boot or under your seats.

•             If you find yourself in an area where traffic is moving very slowly (for example a traffic light) make sure you keep your eyes open for any pedestrian movement around your vehicle.

•             Avoid distractions. Your focus should be on the safe operation of your vehicle and nothing else. The phone call and the cigarette can wait.

•             Lock your doors and keep the windows closed.

•             Avoid sitting in your car for a prolonged period of time (along the side of the road or perhaps in a parking garage) where you potentially become an easy target.

•             Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to escape.

•             Consider installing special window safety film. It is usually tinted so that no one can see into the car, while also preventing the windows from shattering.

“The key point to remember in all of this, is the need for vigilance. You can already make a massive difference in avoiding a smash-and-grab by simply paying attention to what is happening around you.