A 30-year-old suspect was arrested on 4 September, after he and another accomplice allegedly carried out a smash-and-grab on Coleraine and Ballyclare drives in Sandton.
According to Sandton Police Station spokesperson, Captain Granville Meyer the suspect robbed a motorist that was stationary in his vehicle. “The suspects had approached the vehicle and pointed a firearm at the driver and robbed the victim of his cell phone, jewellery and other personal belongings. The suspects then fled the scene.
“The victim then immediately notified the security on patrol and whereby one of the suspects was arrested in the nearby vicinity.”
Meyer confirmed that the suspect is currently in detention and will appear in court soon.
Meyer has provided some smash-and-grab awareness tips motorists should look out for.
Smash-and-grab awareness tips:
- Lock all 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
- 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 escape (i.e drive away from the scene) 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 there recently
- Reduce the chances of being a target by removing that which the criminals are trying to get their hands on
- Smash-and-grab car burglars aren’t exactly criminal masterminds, many simply act on impulse
- Do not have bags, cellular phones, briefcases or other valuables visible inside the vehicle – valuables can 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 cannot take valuable items with you, hide them out of sight in your trunk.
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