What can you do to prevent ‘smash and grab’?

A smash and grab incident usually plays on the element of speed and surprise and involves smashing through some sort of barrier (e.g. vehicle window) and grabbing something of value (e.g. jackets, handbags, laptops, etc).

1. Always keep all doors locked.
2. Never open your windows or get into discussions with street vendors or anyone handing out flyers.
3. Do not leave your handbag, cell phone or anything of value in plain sight.
4. Always be conscious of your surroundings and remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
5. If it’s late at night, slow down well in advance so that the light changes green by the time you reach the intersection.
6. Keep an eye out for any obstacles on the road (e.g. tyres or rocks). Do not get out of your car to remove these. 
7. Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to escape (i.e. drive away from the scene), if anything should happen. 
8. Be especially wary whenever you see broken glass lying on the road. If the pieces of glass are still scattered across the road, chances are that a smash and grab occurred just recently.
9. If you don’t have smash and grab film installed, leave your window open slightly (approximately 3 cm, but less than 5cm) whilst driving. This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if they’re struck by a sharp object.
10. Fit your window with protective smash and grab safety film.

Protective safety film is pasted on vehicle windows to help prevent smash and grab incidents. The protective film is usually tinted so that no one can see into the car, while also preventing the windows from shattering. While the glass breaks, the film holds the pieces in place, which further protects you from broken glass.

Although smash and grab film will not prevent smash and grab incidents from taking place, it will give you a few extra minutes to recompose yourself and drive away safely.