Drive Safe and Secure

A smash and grab criminal plays on the element of shock and speed. The aggressive smashing of a window, usually on the passenger side of the car, paralyses the driver momentarily giving the perpetrator enough time to grab valuables and flee the scene.

Most smash and grab incidents occur while the motor vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or creeping along in slow moving traffic.

Thieves look for any valuables that are left on the car seat, allowing fast removal and a quick getaway. Anything identifiable and easily saleable is fair game. These items usually include the following:

Purses, handbags and wallets Laptop bags, briefcases and backpacks Cell phones, MP3 players and tablets

Smash and GrabMost towns in South Africa have well known "hot spots", where these smash and grab acts tend to occur on a frequent basis. Motorists should be aware of these "hot spots" if they are on a regular driving route. Motorists should be aware all the time of what is going on around them if there vehicle is stationary or slow moving.

Criminals normally choose their victims in single drivers, female drivers with children who tend to be distracted and drivers who are on their cell phone.

How can motorists reduce the risks of being another statistic in a smash and grab crime. Lock your doors and close windows whilst driving. Avoid opening windows for street vendors or people handing out things at robots.

Be constantly alert when stopping your vehicle at intersections.

If you come across obstacles in the road, such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle.

Do not leave valuables lying on seats or in full view of passersby. Rather lock valuables in the boot or hide them under the seat.

Install tinted window film in your motor vehicle. Window film will cut out direct viewing access into your motor vehicle and also slows down entry into the vehicle. Window film helps to keep the broken glass together in the event of an accident reducing the risk of the occupants of the vehicle being cut.