Know more on smash-and-grabs

What is smash-and-grab?

Smash-and-grab is the criminal act of smashing through some sort of barrier, like a vehicle window, while the car is stationary at a traffic light or slow moving in traffic and grabbing something valuable like a handbag, cell phone, laptop, etc.

What is being targeted?

• Purses, handbags and wallets
• Laptop bags, briefcases and backpacks
• Shopping bags
• Cell phones, MP3 players and tablets
• Loose change and CDs
• Keys

Who are most vulnerable?

• Mostly single drivers with belongings on the passenger seat
• Female drivers well knowing that they are less likely to chase after them
• Those who are distracted, for example, those busy on the cell phone or with a cigarette in the hand.
• Vehicles left unattended away from the crowds and with visible valuables.

What are the methods used?

• Criminals will focus on areas where traffic is often congested and where vehicles will remain stationary for a while.
• Criminals often work in pairs, where one will pose as a vendor, distracting the attention of the driver while the other party will perform the smash-and-grab from the passenger side.
• Objects are sometimes placed in the road as an obstruction and motorists make the mistake of leaving their vehicles to remove the objects. This is when the vehicles are then easily targeted.
• Cell phones have also enabled these criminals to identify potential victims from a bridge or position of elevation and to relay this message to their partners in crime further along the road.
• The person making the smash-and-grab will most likely select the scene of the crime as an area where a fast getaway would be possible for him and any pursuit would be difficult.

Advice on preventing smash-and-grabs

• Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving. Never open vehicle windows or doors for strangers.
• Avoid opening your windows or getting involved in discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers.
• Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
• If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tyres do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. Immediately reverse and drive off in the opposite direction.
• If it’s late at night, slow down well in advance so that the light changes green by the time you reach the intersection.
• Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to escape.
• Be especially wary whenever you see broken glass lying on the road. If the glass is still scattered across the road, chances are that a smash-and-grab recently occurred.
• Remove that which the criminals are trying to get their hands on, including when leaving your car unattended at a parking lot.
• Park in an attended parking lot, and when at night, park in a well-lit area.
• Keep your car visible as thieves do not want witnesses.
• Get a smash-and-grab film, a protective film that is pasted on vehicle windows to help prevent smash-and-grab incidents.
• If you don’t have smash-and-grab film installed, leave your window slightly (approximately 3cm but less than 5cm) whilst driving. This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if they’re struck by a sharp object.