Smash-and-grab drama on video

Dramatic footage of a swift smash-and-grab hit in Johannesburg has gone viral.

The video, taken from Witkoppen Road in Johannesburg, shows a man walking next to traffic, seemingly peeping through windows of cars while attempting to talk to the motorists.

The man suddenly throws an object at a window of a white Land Rover before putting half of his body in the car. He makes a quick escape into nearby bushes.

Superintendent Kuki Tshabalala of the Tshwane metro police urged all motorists to be vigilant.

“Watch out for areas where traffic is often congested and when vehicles remain stationary for a while. Remember to lock all car doors and close all windows when driving. Never open your windows for strangers or street vendors. Make sure your valuables like bags, laptops, cell phones and the like are not visible.”

According to the Tshwane metro police department, the following are hijacking hot spots around Pretoria.

• All traffic lights along Roger Dyson/Eeufees Road

• Atterbury Road off-ramp from the N1 in Menlyn

• Lynnwood Road off-ramp, from the N1

• John Vorster Drive off-ramp from the N1 in Lyttelton

• Jean Avenue off-ramp from the R28 in Centurion

• Rigel Avenue off-ramp from the N1 in Erasmuskloof

• Corner of University Road and Lynnwood Road in Hatfield

• Traffic lights along Walker Street in Sunnyside

• The intersection of Lynnwood Road and Hans Strijdom Drive in Garsfontein

• The traffic lights along Nelson Mandela Drive in Sunnyside

• The traffic lights along Simon Vermooten Road in Silverton

• Along Beyers Naude Drive and Paul Kruger Street in Wonderboompoort

• Nelson Mandela Drive, Duncan Street and Walker Street in Sunnyside

• The R55 in Erasmia

• E’skia Mphahlele Drive near Marabastad

• Burnett Street, Hilda Street and the Atterbury Road off-ramp in the Brooklyn area

• Delfi Avenue and Garsfontein Road in Garsfontein

Arrive Alive said anti-smash-and-grab film, a safety film pasted on vehicle windows, helps thwart smash-and-grab crimes.

This gives motorists a few extra minutes to drive away safely as the film prevents windows from shattering.

“If you don’t have smash-and-grab film installed, leave your window open slightly (approximately 3cm, but less than 5cm) whilst driving. This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if struck by a sharp object.”