Guard your belongings
Motorists must lock away and conceal their valuables when driving to avoid falling victim to smash and grabbers, warns ER24 JHB East spokesperson, Glen Orritt.
‘‘These days with technology where it is, there is no need for people to have personal belongings by their side whilst driving,’’ said Orritt.
‘‘Everything that could be smashed and grabbed by a thief should be locked away in the boot.
‘‘The hassle of having to unlock your boot to get your bag, laptop etc, is far out-weighed by the trip to the police station and several hours on the phone with your insurer.’’
He said paramedics attend scenes where people fall victim to smash-and-grab crimes, despite road signs warning people of perilous intersections.
Orritt said people generally do not suffer physical pain during these crimes, but suffer from post-traumatic stress for months after the incident.
On August 30, the City Times reported on a would-be smash and grabber who was dragged beneath the vehicle he tried to gain access to a vehicle at the intersection of Snake and Pretoria roads.
