How to avoid a smash-and-grab

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Smash-and-grab incidents are one of the biggest crimes in South Africa.

Anyone can be a victim of this crime, however, there are ways in which it can be prevented.

Midrand Community Police Forum has outlined a few tips so people can avoid this crime:

1. Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to you give room to escape if anything should happen.
2. Be wary of people standing at the intersections – they may be innocent, but they could also be perpetrators waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
3. Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving. Never open vehicle windows or doors for strangers.
4. Don’t have bags, cell phones, briefcases or other valuables visible inside the vehicle – valuables attract thieves who may break your window.
5. Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when approaching an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
6. Avoid opening your windows or getting involved in discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers. Be consistently on the lookout for suspicious activity and trust your instinct.
7. 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.
8. If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Reverse and drive off in the opposite direction.

Related article: 

#TheBigIssue – Smash and Grab

This is how to protect yourself against vehicle crime and stay safe on the roads