The hot topic of smash-and-grab is once again in the public eye, thanks to social media. In a recent incident that was filmed by a fellow driver's dashcam and loaded onto YouTube, it can be seen how the criminals attack-ritual that leads to this less-than-20-second smash-and-grab crime. ENCA has a great news clip online at the moment that does an interview with a smash-and-grabber and reveals some of their methods and mentality. There are also some safety tips from the neighborhood watch.
To summerise, here are some of the main points from that clip that pertains to their methods:
- A spark plug, or "bomb", is used to break the motor window because it has a sharp point to penetrate the window. Keep in mind, that the size of the spark plug also makes it easily concealable.
- Although they will do their dirty deed anywhere where there is an opportunity, the are currently using bridges to do their deed as once the deed is done, they flee under the bridge, knowing that most people will not follow them.
- At least a 2-man job. One to do the deed, the other as a lookout. More have been used in many cases.
- Women are targeted because they get scared easily (and offer little resistance).
- Smash-and-grabbers wait for you to be in traffic or at red lights before attacking.
- A smash-and-grabber will dress up in "protective clothing" such as a jacket or overall to protect selves from cuts after they have dove through broken glass.
- If there is no getaway, the smash-and-grabber will probably not do it (but be warned, there are still desperate crininals out there)!
- The smash-and-grabber can use the threats of a gun or any other weapon to gain compliance.
A few safety tips to avoid becoming a smash-and-grab-victim:
- Consider safety film (anti-smash-and-grab film) or even window tinting for your car's windows.
- Leave your window open slightly (approximately 3 cm, but less than 5cm).This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if they’re struck by a sharp object.
- Lock your doors.
- Never open doors or windows (fully) or for strangers. Less than 3cm of window is sufficient.
- Avoid getting involved in discussions with street vendors, flyer-distributors or window cleaner at intersections.
- Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters, for example those who are wearing usually warm or heavy clothing during warmer weather.
- Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially when stationery.
- Remain vigilant when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
- If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tires do not get out of your vehicle to remove them.
- Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to manoeuvre, should something happen.
- Be wary if you see broken glass lying on the road, as it may indicate a smash-and-grab hotspot.
- Hide your valuables - Car floors, dashboards and seats are not good places to leave items.
- Alternatively, lock your valuables away in your boot if you do not need them for the duration of your travel.
If you see a smash-and-grab incident taking place or about to take place:
- Be a responsible citizen and do something!
- Hoot and point, if you see suspicious characters walking around a fellow driver's car, or if the smash-and-grab is in progress.
- Assist the victim ONLY if you have ensured your (and your loved ones’) safety first.
- Don't give chase UNLESS you have had proper training to deal with such situations. Even then, I still caution against it.
For a previous blog on smash-and-grabs, please go to: http://defence-unlimited.blogspot.com/2014/05/smash-and-grabwhat-to-do-and-not-do.html
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The link to the ENCA clip can be found at:
http://www.enca.com/south-africa/smash-and-grabber-tells-all
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