With Black Friday steadily approaching, stolen vehicle recovery firm Tracker has warned consumers to remain extra vigilant of smash-and-grabbers.
Criminals are well aware that many South Africans will be shopping to their heart’s content, leaving valuable items in their vehicles as they travel from one location to the next.
They might therefore do a bit of “window shopping” themselves, and if something inside your car looks particularly attractive, the window may not be enough to stop them from taking it.
“In the rush to score that special Black Friday or Christmas deal, shoppers might be tempted to dump their purchases on the car seat beside them, eager to get to the next store,” said Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker.
“However, visible shopping bags and other valuables become easy targets for thieves, and a smash-and-grab robbery is a common technique that they employ.”
As motorists it’s not always possible to avoid theft hotspots, hence, Tracker advises motorists to keep the acronym SMASH in their minds to safeguard themselves and their belongings.
S – Surprise
When it comes to smash-and-grabs, thieves use the element of surprise to their advantage.
“It will take a bit of time for even the quickest people to react, allowing the thieves the opportunity to get away,” said Ngcobo.
“Also, the perpetrators choose spots with easy access and escape, and often work in teams to distract motorists or to inform accomplices positioned down the road of easy targets.”
In addition, there is no particular pattern to their activity.
The crimes are committed at any time of the day, in busy intersections or quiet streets, when a vehicle is at a standstill or in slow-moving traffic.
Therefore, as a motorist, remaining vigilant of your surroundings can assist in preventing being taken by surprise.
M – Microns
Install a protective film on your vehicle’s windows as a precautionary measure against smash-and-grab incidents.
While it won’t necessarily prevent an incident, it could act as a deterrent.
“The industry recommendation is a 200-micron two-ply system which not only prevents glass from shattering all over you but slows access to your vehicle and should give you enough time to get away,” said Ngcobo.
“Also, a tinted protection will assist with blocking heat and UV rays.”
Be cautious, however, as not all window tints offer smash-and-grab protection. Some are merely shatterproof.
“However, even a tint up to the legal limit could act as a deterrent, because the criminals won’t know if it is anti-smash-and-grab,” said the experts.
“If you don’t have a film on your windows, it is advised that leaving your window open about 3cm will make it more flexible and less prone to shattering.”
A – Avoid
Avoid driving with your valuables in plain sight as much as possible.
Thieves are looking to grab mobile phones, wallets, purses, laptops, bags, jewellery, and other high-value items, many of which motorists often leave in plain view of the outside world.
These things are better kept in the boot, under the seats, or in the vehicle storage compartments.
“Even inconspicuous items like a jacket lying on the seat could result in a smash for what looks like a valuable item or could hold a valuable item like a wallet,” said Ngcobo.
“The same goes for when your vehicle is parked. It’s best to park your car in a well-lit, properly secured parking area, ideally with security guards on duty. Also, make sure the doors are locked, and the windows are closed before walking away.”
S – Safe driving
Not only do defensive driving practices minimise your risk of accidents, but remaining visibly vigilant at all times inside the vehicle could be enough to dissuade potential criminals.
“Avoid the distraction of talking, texting, or scrolling through updates on your mobile phone,” said Ngcobo.
Gridlock traffic and red lights are particularly dangerous for smash-and-grabs as vagrants and street vendors hang around peering into vehicles to look for vulnerable victims.
When approaching a red traffic light, especially at night or in dark areas, slow down so that you only reach the traffic light when it turns green.
If you do come to a complete stop, leave a big enough gap to the car ahead so that you can get out in an emergency without hitting anything. If you can still see the wheels of the vehicle in front, there should be enough space.
“Lots of glass on the road is a good indication of a smash-and-grab hotspot, plus look out for the SAPS crime hotspot signs and alerts from community watch groups and remain aware in these areas,” said Ngcobo.
“Don’t get out of your vehicle to remove obstacles in the road, rather drive around them or turn the vehicle around and drive off.”
H – Help
Lastly, should the unfortunate happen, always report it to the authorities as the information might assist them in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
Also, Crime Stop is a SAPS toll-free number and can be contacted to anonymously report criminal activities on 08600 10111 or send an anonymous SMS to Crime Line at 32211.
“Remain vigilant at all times, thieves are most likely to strike when you have dropped your guard,” concludes Ngcobo.
“The perpetrators are becoming brazen, and smash and grabs can happen anywhere and at any time. Follow the above tips to reduce the risk of a smash-and-grab situation.”
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