How to avoid smash-and-grab attacks while driving in South Africa

Crime is an unfortunate reality that South African motorists have had to contend with for years, and while progress has been made to fight hijackings and vehicle theft, there has been an increase in smash-and-grab attacks.

To avoid becoming a target of such an attack requires drivers to plan their drive and be vigilant on the road, as a smash-and-grab attack could turn a normal commute into a nightmare.

This kind of attack is characterised by a criminal smashing a barrier, usually a window, while a vehicle is stationary or stuck in slow-moving traffic, before snatching something of value.

Arrive Alive explains that a smash-and-grab attack normally relies on the element of surprise, rendering the motorists shocked just long enough to grab hold of valuables and flee.

These attacks can lead to expensive repairs to your vehicles, as well as replacing what was stolen.

Smash-and-grab thieves are after visible valuables that are as easy to sell as they are to steal.

This includes:

• Purses, handbags and wallets
• Laptop bags, briefcases and backpacks
• Shopping bags
• Cell phones, MP3 players and tablets
• Loose change and CDs
• Keys

At any moment, most drivers would be able to identify that they are in an area of risk. These areas tend to be places where vehicles are stationary, and criminals know drivers can be easily distracted while thieves escape.

Victims are also most often single drivers with visible belongings, whether that is in the passenger or back seat.

Criminals are also more likely to target female drivers, drivers who are distracted by their cellphones or cigarettes, and vehicles left unattended away from crowds.

Part of the attack may involve criminals working in pairs, where one poses as a vendor to distract the driver, while the other will perform the smash-and-grab attack.

Objects may be placed in the road to force drivers to stop their vehicles, making them easier to target.

Some attackers may even make use of bridges to identify possible victims before sharing said target with their partners to commit the crime down the road.

The person committing the smash-and-grab will likely select an area where a fast getaway is possible.

Preventing smash-and-grabs

While it is not always possible to avoid high-risk areas, where criminals prey on unwitting drivers, it is possible to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

If motorists can make burglaries more difficult, opportunistic smash-and-grab criminals would prefer to move on to easier targets.

Through safe driving techniques and by removing the attraction, drivers can spare themselves from becoming victims of smash-and-grab attacks.

To avoid becoming a victim, Arrive Alive suggests the following steps when driving:

• Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving, and 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 escape, 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.

Reducing the chances of becoming a target can be as easy as removing what the criminals are trying to get their hands on from the equation.

Smash-and-grab burglars act on impulse, so avoid having bags, cellphones, briefcases or other valuables visible inside the vehicle.

Keeping these valuables out of sight, in the cubbyhole, or boot is the best course of action.