MOTORING NEWS - With many areas around the country still being marked as hotspots for unsuspecting motorists, we are once again alerting motorists to ensure they are aware of their surroundings at all times.

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. 

We also caution motorists that just because there are many cars around, this does not mean you are safe. In fact this is where people are being caught totally off-guard because they are occupied with their phones during ‘stop and move” stages during the traffic.

Never leave valuable items on the seat next to you where it is clearly visible to anyone walking past your vehicle. Put it underneath your seat, in the glovebox or lock it away in your boot.

Secondly, avoid any distractions while you are driving. Keep your attention on the safe movement of your vehicle. Talking on a cellphone, being distracted by children in your 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.

Take note of some of our recommendations on how to avoid smash and grabs: 

• 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 alerted when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
• A useful tip is to leave your window open about 3 centimeters 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 tyres 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 only attract thieves who may break your car window.

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