Even though progress has been made in fighting hijackings and vehicle theft, there has been an increase in the incidence of smash and grabs. A smash and grab criminal usually smashes through a vehicle window, grabbing something of value, while the car is waiting at traffic lights or stuck in slow moving traffic.

The violent smashing of the passenger window shocks the driver into a few moments of silent paralysis – enough to allow the criminal to grab the valuables and flee the scene. The after-effects of a smash and grab include the cost of repairs to the vehicle and windows, replacing your belongings and feeling traumatised for quite some time after the event.

What do Thieves Want?

The thieves are after any valuables they can see inside the vehicle. Items targeted include:

• Purses, hand bags and wallets

• Laptop bags, briefcases and backpacks

• Shopping bags

• Cell phones, MP3 players and tablets

• Loose change and CDs

• Keys

Reduce the Risk

While the media gives warnings of some Hot spots, any cautious driver should be able to identify areas where he/ she will be most at risk. These tend to be places where criminals know that vehicles will be stationary, where drivers can be easily distracted and where the criminal can make a quick and effective escape.

Who is Vulnerable?

• Single drivers with belongings on the passenger seat

• Female drivers because they are less likely to chase after the criminals

• Drivers who are busy on a cellular phone or with a cigarette in the and

• Vehicles left unattended away from crowds and with valuables visible 

Be On the Lookout

• Avoid areas where traffic is often congested, forcing vehicles to remain stationary for a while

• Criminals often work in pairs, one will pose as a vendor, distracting your attention while the other will perform the smash and grab

• Cellular phones are used by criminals to identify potential victims from a bridge or position of elevation and to relay this message to their partners in crime further along the road

Drive Safely

• Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving – never open windows or door 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…

• 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 to 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 drive away if anything happens

• Be wary whenever you see broken glass lying on the road – if pieces are still scattered across the road, chances are that a smash and grab took place 

Remove the Attraction

• No bags, cellular phones, briefcases should be visible inside the vehicle

• Hide  valuables – car floors, dashboards and seats should be free of items

• If you can’t take valuable items with you, hide them out of sight in your boot

Parking Precautions

• Thieves target car parks. Always park your car in attended parking lots

• When parking at night ensure that you always park in a well-lit area

• Thieves do not want witnesses – park your car in crowded areas near pedestrian and vehicle traffic

• Never sit in your vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings

• Lock your doors and roll up your windows when you park

• Activate your security system

• Avoid using the console or glove box as mobile lockboxes

• Keep in mind that if you have a great hiding place for a spare key (in your wheel well or above your sun visor), a thief has thought of it, too.

• Stow belongings like shopping bags and laptops in the boot before you get to the parking area.

Invest in Window Safety Film

Protective safety film is pasted on vehicle windows to help prevent smash and grab incidents. The protective film is usually tinted so that no one can see into the car, while also preventing the windows from shattering. Some insurers provide a discounted premium to vehicle owners who install window safety film on their vehicles.

If you don’t have smash and grab film, leave your window open slightly (approximately 3 cm, but less than 5cm) whilst driving. This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if struck by a sharp object.

Remember, if there is nothing to grab there is no reason for the window to be smashed! Trust your instincts. If you see suspicious activity, find somewhere else to park. Report suspicious activity to the proper authorities – you could help prevent others from becoming a victim of a smash-and-grab.

Do you have the right insurance cover for your vehicle?

Talk to Indwe Risk Services today about tailor-made personal and business insurance for you.

Visit www.indwerisk.co.za or call 0860 13 13 14 to talk to one of our consultants.