Become familiar with your route

The SAPS is appealing to the community to be alert and aware when driving.

This comes after an increase in the number of smash-and-grabs being reported.

The police ask that residents take the following safety tips to heart:

• Be aware of people approaching your vehicle to inform you that you have a flat tyre; the intention can be to steal items they see inside the car or to hijack your car.
• Always close your windows when driving in the city centre.
• Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and/or at the robots.
• Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• Do not use a cellphone unless you have a hands-free kit and the phone is kept out of sight.
• Lock your valuables in the car’s boot before departure.
• Become familiar with your route before you start the trip; get a map of the route and study it.
• Store luggage in the vehicle’s boot where it is out of sight.
• Do not leave your goods/valuable items visible in the vehicle.
• Do not leave your handbag/briefcase visible in the vehicle.

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