illustration. Picture: Pexels
The big days are now upon us, and that means taking extra measures to ensure that you and your family are safe when travelling the roads.
With December now around the corner, many South Africans are beginning to flock to malls and shopping centres to stock up on everything they need ahead of Christmas and the festive season. This in most cases is also a precaution to ensure they get to peacefully enjoy the 13th cheque coming their way, as they set sights on getting through January while being financially stable.
While many are looking forward to enjoying the fruits of their labour, criminals are using this time as the ideal opportunity to capitalise on the vulnerable when travelling on our local roads. It is often during these days when our country experiences a spike in crimes such as robberies or even smash-and-grab incidents.
To ensure that you are well informed on how to avoid falling victim to a smash and grab, we have a few useful tips as recommended by a list of reputable sources to help you ensure your safety.
Don’t display your valuables
One of the things many of us are guilty of is leaving our valuable items on the passenger and back seats of our vehicles while driving. This can be risky, especially when stopping at intersections and can leave you in a vulnerable position.
Bidvest Insurance therefore recommends that it is best that you store belongings in the boot of your vehicle.
Be wary of your surroundings
While many of us are used to street vendors standing at intersections, there may be a possibility that thieves are mixed among these people. The above-mentioned insurance company therefore says that it is important to be aware of your surroundings, and keep doors locked and windows rolled up.
Tint windows
According to Car Track, another effective way of avoiding becoming a victim is by tinting the windows of your car. This ensures that roamers cannot peep through your windows when passing by.
Also see: Explore safe online shopping ahead of Black Friday | Bona Magazine
