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:
This is how to protect yourself against vehicle crime and stay safe on the roads