Smash and grab thieves target Villieria

Corlia Kruger

After a recent spate of smash and grab incidents in Villieria and surrounding areas, police plead with the public to safeguard themselves against opportunistic thieves.

“SAPS Villieria ask people to be more security conscious at all times in terms of their personal safety and the safekeeping of personal belongings,” police spokesperson, Coba Brits said in a recent statement.

Ignorant behaviour like leaving valuable belongings on the passenger seat, driving with a window wide open and doors unlocked or not observing your surroundings, creates the perfect opportunity for criminals on the road to strike.

Smash and grab incidents, previously reported in Rekord, often happen at intersections where motorists are forced to slow down or stop at traffic lights.

Police provided tips to help motorists prevent and minimise unfortunate incidents.

Safety awareness in a vehicle:

– Ensure your vehicle is in good condition when you plan to go on a journey;

– Ensure the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel;

– Always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed;

– Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute;

– Avoid stopping at remote places;

– Park your vehicle in places that are well lit;

– Avoid speaking to any strangers approaching your vehicle;

– Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you;

– If possible, vary the route you travel to work and back;

– If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station;

– Vehicle hijackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your vehicle, if your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help;

– Do not reach for your purse or valuables, leave everything behind if forced from the vehicle;

– Your life is more valuable than your possessions, do not resist, especially if the suspect has a weapon;

– A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime;

– Do not give strangers a lift under any circumstance;

– A gear-lock is an affordable and an effective anti-theft device;

– If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage;

– Do not open your garage doors before the gates are closed.

Safety Awareness when parking or driving your vehicle:

– Avoid parking your vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other vehicles;

– Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicle’s glove compartment or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law);

– Make sure all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your vehicle;

– Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your vehicle;

– Be aware of people approaching you and informing you that you have a flat tire, the intention can be to steal items they see inside the vehicle or to hijack you;

– Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at traffic lights;

– Do not use a cellphone unless you have a hands-free kit;

– At night, park in well-lit areas;

– If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice;

– Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home;

– Become familiar with your route before you start the trip, get a map of the route and study it;

– Do not leave keys in the ignition;

– Always lock the doors and close the windows when getting out of the vehicle;

– Remove detachable radios when leaving the vehicle;

– Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your vehicle;

– Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your vehicle, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag.

Motorists can assist police to curb smash-and-grab incidents and hijackings by being vigilant not only when entering a hotspot but at all times.

Members of the public are asked to report any criminal activities to the police’s crime stop at 08600 10111 or to SMS crime line 33221.

Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.

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