Smash and grab warning

Smash and grab warning

After one of our family members experienced a smash and grab ordeal, I felt compelled to write this article to warn others about these crimes.

Tips to stop smash and grabs
Smash and grab attacks on South African motorists are increasing say glass fitting and insurance companies.“What’s even more frightening is the fact that these smash and grabbers prey mainly on women,” said Robyn Farrell, director of 1st for Women Insurance.Robyn said that, although the police were taking steps to combat the smash-and-grab attacks, it was up to the motorist to avoid becoming a victim by remaining as vigilant as possible.

The following tips have been issued by 1st for Women Insurance to help cut down on smash-and-grab attacks:

• Leave the passenger windows open by about 3cm to make the glass more flexible, allowing the window to absorb the sudden impact of an attempted smash-and-grab.

• Avoid leaving valuables and anything worth stealing on your passenger or back seat. Rather keep them in handbags stored in the boot or hide them under your seat.

• Always remain on full alert when stationary in your vehicle.
People who pounce on unsuspecting drivers have turned some pleasant rides into nightmare driving, says the SA Police Service. Whether your car is moving or stationary, bear the following in mind:

• Lock all your doors and close all the windows. It can happen that someone will smash your window at a traffic light, grab the stuff and run. Corollary: if the window is open, this makes life a lot easier for the would-be "help yourself artist". Thieves steal handbags and other valuables by opening car doors or by breaking windows while your car is stationary at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic.

• Don't keep stuff worth stealing (bags, cellphones, briefcases, grocery shopping or other valuables) on the seats next to you. Lock all valuables in the boot of your car or behind the seat.

• Be constantly on the look-out for suspicious-looking characters. Don't hesitate to report them.

• When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green and thus do not need to stop.

• Be wary of people standing at traffic lights or intersections. They may even point to something being wrong with your vehicle to get you to open your window or get out of your vehicle.

• Never open your vehicle window or door for a stranger.

• If you encounter obstacles in the road such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Drive off in the opposite direction.

• The best smash-and-grab preventer is to have a polycarb film fitted to your windows. This is tinted so that thieves cannot see into your car, makes it extremely difficult to shatter your windows and reduces glare. The film also reduces the chance of injury from broken glass.

• Remove faces of cd/mp3 players with clip-off faces.

Tips to prevent hijacking
• Don't drive with your car window more than 5cm open.

• Always put your bag under the passenger seat or in the boot - and never reach for it if you've been ordered out of your car. The hijacker might assume you're grabbing a firearm and shoot you. • Keep your cellphone on you; when you're out of the car you can call for help.

• Be aware of your surroundings by keeping an eye on the cars and people around you. This will give you a better chance of taking evasive action.

• Hijackings usually take place when a vehicle has come to a complete standstill. When approaching an intersection or red traffic light slow down and try to get there by the time it turns green, or leave a reasonable stopping distance between you and the car in front of you to allow yourself room to manoeuvre and escape any dangerous situation.

• Be alert when driving under a bridge - hijackers may drop stones on cars to force motorists to stop.

• If a firearm is held against your window raise both your hands. Always keep your hands where the hijacker can see them and if you need to reach for something - for example to undo your seatbelt - explain clearly what you're about to do.

• Know the location of the police station nearest to your work or home. If the occupants of a police car want you to pull to the side of the road indicate that they should follow you to the police station in case they're not really policemen.

• Never leave a vehicle unattended with its engine running - especially in a parking lot, public garage or shopping mall. One scam involves putting a flyer on your car window, waiting for you to get out to remove it and then speeding off in your car.
• Never leave children alone in a vehicle, not even for a moment. Children may innocently allow access to your car and belongings, and put themselves in danger.
• If you are attacked it is advisable to remain calm and not show any signs of aggression or threaten the culprit. Items such as handbags and cellphones are replaceable, your life is not!-

tips provided by Outsurance