Smash and Grab Tips - 12 Oct 2009 11:32
According to insurers’ and glass fitters’ statistics, smash-and-grabs are on the increase with women most at risk. First for Women Insurance director, Robyn Farrell, says that while women are preyed on by smash-and-grab criminals, there are things they can to protect themselves or prevent this.
Most women close the windows when they’re at a traffic light, yet leaving them open only a slight 3 cm can make them more flexible and more impervious to shattering. The window thus absorbs most of the impact by being less rigid while not leaving enough room for the criminal to stick his hand through.
Do not leave any valuable in the front seat with you, or in the back. Handbags should be kept in the boot or at the very least out of sight under the seat. Most insurers will not insure All Risk or portable items if they are in plain view.
Remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle, no matter what time of day. It’s also wise to leave a gap or stopping distance between you and the car in front of you to give you room to get out, should anything happen. If its late at night, slow down long enough in advance so that the light changes green by the time you get to it.
Fit your window with a polycarb film. These are 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.
Also remember to remain calm in the event of a smash-and-grab. Do not become aggressive to the culprit or struggle for your possessions. Letting the criminal take your handbag or cell phone could save your life.
According to insurers’ and glass fitters’ statistics, smash-and-grabs are on the increase with women most at risk. First for Women Insurance director, Robyn Farrell, says that while women are preyed on by smash-and-grab criminals, there are things they can to protect themselves or prevent this.
Most women close the windows when they’re at a traffic light, yet leaving them open only a slight 3 cm can make them more flexible and more impervious to shattering. The window thus absorbs most of the impact by being less rigid while not leaving enough room for the criminal to stick his hand through.
Do not leave any valuable in the front seat with you, or in the back. Handbags should be kept in the boot or at the very least out of sight under the seat. Most insurers will not insure All Risk or portable items if they are in plain view.
Remain alert when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle, no matter what time of day. It’s also wise to leave a gap or stopping distance between you and the car in front of you to give you room to get out, should anything happen. If its late at night, slow down long enough in advance so that the light changes green by the time you get to it.
Fit your window with a polycarb film. These are 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.
Also remember to remain calm in the event of a smash-and-grab. Do not become aggressive to the culprit or struggle for your possessions. Letting the criminal take your handbag or cell phone could save your life.