Protecting Yourself Against Thieves That Smash and Grab

A very common type of crime in South Africa is when thieves smash car windows and grab your belongings. This usually happens at intersections like at red traffic lights where traffic is stationary and the typical targets of this type of crime are cellphones, wallets, purses, handbags, laptops, briefcases, backpacks, shopping bags, keys, and tablets. Thieves pounce on unsuspecting motorists and surprise them – and those moments during which the occupants of the car are paralysed with shock and coming to terms with what is happening are enough for the thieves to make off with their loot.

Who is most at risk?

Media outlets regularly publish information about where the smash-and-grab “hot spots” in our metropolitan areas are but these are constantly changing. According to Arrive Alive there are, however, several things that motorists do that make them prime targets for this type of crime:

1. Leaving their vehicles unattended with valuables clearly visible inside their vehicles.

2. Sadly, being female is a risk factor in itself because female drivers are targeted more than male drivers.

3. Drivers that are distracted, i.e. talking, smoking, using their cellphone, etc.

4. Being the sole occupant in the car and having valuables on your passenger seat.

What methods do smash-and-grab criminals use?

Arrive Alive research has identified several tricks of the smash-and-grab trade, so it would be wise to be on the lookout and vigilant in the following scenarios:

1. In rush-hour traffic where you are a sitting duck, along with thousands of other stationary motorists.

2. If there are objects in the road, they may have been placed there by criminals that want to lure you out of your vehicle to remove such object – and then they strike.

3. These criminals often work in pairs with one distracting you and the other one stealing your things.

4. Be especially careful in areas where the criminals can easily hide and flee and where any kind of pursuit would be difficult.

5. They might even be in contact with each other using modern technology like cellphones to alert each other of potential victims.

What can you do?

Have SunTek window-protection film fitted at Electronic Fitment Centre in Pretoria. Available in a clear film or a 50% or 65% tint and thicknesses of 100 or 150 µm, the film holds the glass pane from shattering and in one piece, substantially hindering the thief’s progress and giving you time to get away from the scene. With SunTek, you get window tinting and anti-smash-and-grab protection in one product with a 7-year nationwide guarantee.