With many areas around the country identified as crime hotspots for unsuspecting motorists, Fidelity Services Group is again alerting motorists to ensure they are always aware of their surroundings.
“Criminals are always looking for opportunities to strike. You can make a big difference in preventing this from happening by just being alert to events around you and by trusting your instincts,” says Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.
Fidelity cautions motorists that just because there are many cars around, this does not mean you are safe. This is where people are caught off-guard because they are occupied with their phones during the “stop and move” stages during traffic.
Numerous websites and news media outlets have published video footage of incidents showing how fast a “smash-and-grab” can happen to an unsuspecting motorist, and how quickly the thieves can escape.
“Never leave valuable items on the seat next to you where it is visible to anyone walking past your vehicle. Put it underneath your seat, in the glove box or lock it away in your boot,” says Hattingh.
Secondly, avoid any distractions while you are driving. Keep your attention on the safe movement of your vehicle.
Talking on a cellphone and being distracted by children on the back seat can make you vulnerable to an attack.
“Remember smash-and-grabbers rely on the element of surprise and the violent smashing of the window at the passenger side places the motorist in a few moments of silent paralysis – just enough to get hold of the valuables and flee the scene!” she says.
Law enforcement authorities often issue warnings of areas where “smash-and-grabs” may have become prevalent. Hattingh recommends heeding these warnings and avoiding high-risk areas if possible.
In summary, Fidelity recommends the following:
• Lock all your doors and close the windows when driving.
• Keep your valuables in your boot and remember to lock it. Remember suspects can steal your valuables from under your nose if you are standing still in traffic.
• 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 activity and trust your instinct.
• Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
• A useful tip is to leave your window open about 3 centimetres while in heavy traffic. This allows the window to absorb most of the impact by being less rigid while not leaving enough room for the criminal to stick his hand through. Alternatively, most safety organisations suggest motorists fit their windows with a polycarb film. These can be tinted so that no one can see into the car, while also preventing the windows from shattering.
• Be wary of people standing at intersections. They may be innocent, but perpetrators mix with these people while waiting for an opportunity to pounce.
• If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tires, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them. 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 if anything should happen.
• Don’t have bags, cellular phones, briefcases, or other valuables visible inside the vehicle – valuables will only attract thieves who may break your car window.
