According to Johannesburg Metro Police, these incidents usually occur on intersections or where criminals know that the car is going to be stationary for a while.
Lina Mogahedi, an officer from Metro police said, “Motorists must be more vigilant at the intersections and be aware of what is happening around them, as every intersection is a smash-and-grab hotspot.”
In light of the latestincidents in Johannesburg, Metro police and Arrive Alive have offered some tips to motorists on how to be vigilant on the road.
Methods used by criminals:
- Criminals will focus on those areas where they know traffic is often congested and where vehicles will remain stationary for awhile.
- These criminals also will often work in pairs where one will pose as a vendor distracting the driver, while the other party will perform the smash and grab from the passenger side.
- Objects are sometimes placed in the road and motorists make the mistake of leaving their vehicles to remove these objects. This is when the vehicles are easily targeted.
- Communication technology such as cellphones have also enabled these criminals to identify potential victims from a bridge or position of elevation and to relay this message to their partners in crime further along the road.
- The person performing the smash and grab will most likely select the scene of the crime where a fast getaway would be possible for him and any pursuit would be difficult.
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.
- Be wary of people standing at intersections – they may be innocent but perpetrators mix with these people while waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
- 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 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 drive away if anything should happen.
- Be especially wary whenever you see broken glass lying on the road. If the pieces of glass are still scattered across the road, chances are that a smash and grab occurred just recently.
Taking away the attraction:
- Reduce the chances of becoming a target by removing anything criminals are trying to get their hands on.
- Smash-and-grab burglars aren’t exactly criminal masterminds, many simply act on impulse.
- Don’t leave bags, cellphones, briefcases or other valuables visible inside the vehicle – valuables only attract thieves who may break your car window.
- Hide your valuables. Car floors, dashboards and seats are not good places to leave items.
- If you have to take valuable items with you, hide them out of sight in your boot.
Should motorists assist each other during these smash-and-grab incidents? Comment below, and tell us what you think.
