Following a noted increase in the number of smash and grab incidents Alexander Forbes Insurance (AFI) cautions South Africans to be vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious activity to the South African Police Services on 10111.
Smash and grab incidents can happen anywhere at any time, but are most likely to occur where criminals know that vehicles will be stationary, such as traffic jams, and where they can make a speedy escape.
“Be aware that criminals on the road also work in teams. For example, one might distract you posing as a street vendor while another executes the attack,” says Steven Card, Alexander Forbes Insurance.
Card recommends that drivers take the following precautions when driving:
- Lock all doors.
- Avoid entertaining street vendors or even people handing out flyers.
- Be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious-looking characters.
- Keep all valuables such as cell phones, handbags, laptops, ipads and briefcases in the boot of your car. Valuables that are visible to pedestrians are a major trigger.
- If you must keep your phone in your car with you make sure it is not visible and do not talk on your phone unless you are using a hands-free kit.
- Leave a large gap between you and the car in front of you. This will give you space to man oeuvre if you need to.
- Install anti-smash and grab film to your windows.
“If you have fitted anti-smash and grab film on your car windows you can keep them closed as the film will prevent them from shattering, however if you don’t have anti –smash and grab film, leave your windows open slightly to give the glass more resistance,” suggests Card.
Also view: