Stay one step ahead of thieves: Smash-and-grab tips for motorists

In the rush to score that special Black Friday or Christmas deal, shoppers may be tempted to dump their purchases on the car seat beside them, eager to get to the next store.

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.

Unfortunately, as motorists, it is not always possible to avoid theft hotspots, so keep the acronym SMASH in mind to protect your belongings and maintain your holiday cheer.

• S: Surprise
When it comes to a smash-and-grab, 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.

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, it is best to take steps to prevent being taken by surprise.

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• M: Microns
Install a protective film on your vehicle’s windows as a precautionary measure against smash-and-grab incidents. While it would not necessarily prevent a smash-and-grab, it could be 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. This should give you enough time to get away.

Also, a tinted protection will assist with blocking heat and UV rays. Be cautious, because not all window tints offer smash-and-grab protection, and some films are merely shatterproof.

However, even a tint up to the legal limit could act as a deterrent, because the criminals would not know if it is anti-smash-and-grab.

If you don’t have a film on your windows, leaving your window open about 3cm will make it more flexible and less prone to shattering.

• A: Avoid
Having a protective film on your vehicle’s windows does not mean you can become complacent. Don’t make it easy for criminals – avoid driving with your valuables in plain sight.

Thieves are looking to grab mobile phones, wallets, purses, laptops, bags, jewellery and other high-value items.
Avoid leaving these things on the seat or the floor. They are better kept in the boot, under the seats or in vehicle storage compartments.

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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.

When you park your vehicle, it is best to park your car in a well-lit, properly secured parking area, ideally with security guards on duty. Also, lock the doors and close the windows before walking away.

• S: Safe driving
It is important to drive defensively and without distraction. Staying alert and being vigilant about your surroundings while driving could help you prevent an incident.

Even looking alert might be enough to dissuade potential criminals. Avoid the distraction of talking, texting, or scrolling through updates on your mobile phone. Be particularly alert in traffic and at intersections, whether driving slowly or at a stop.

Be careful of engaging with street vendors or people handing out flyers, because with your vehicle’s window down, you are more vulnerable to an attack.

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. Leave a gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you to get away.

Lots of glass on the road indicates a smash-and-grab hotspot. Also, look out for the SAPS crime hotspot signs and alerts from community watch groups and remain aware in these areas.

Don’t get out of your vehicle to remove obstacles in the road, rather drive around them or turn around and drive off.

• H: Help
Should an incident occur, report it to the authorities – the information might assist them in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

Also, contact the Crime Stop, a SAPS toll-free number, to anonymously report criminal activities on 08600 10111 or send an anonymous SMS to Crime Line at 32211.

Losing your belongings in a vehicle theft is stressful and inconvenient, and we all need someone to lean on when things go wrong.

Tracking services and insurance providers offer services that help you get back on track after an incident through theft assistance packs and trauma counselling.

“Remain vigilant; thieves are most likely to strike when you have dropped your guard. The perpetrators are becoming brazen, and smash and grabs can happen anywhere, at any time,” says Duma Ngcobo, COO at Tracker.