Florida Police focus on smash-and-grab hot spots
Never open your window or door for a stranger.
Members of the Florida Police were out in full force on 30 January, raising awareness about smash-and-grab incidents in the Florida area.
They handed out more than 800 pamphlets, with safety tips, to motorists travelling on Hendrik Potgieter Road and 14th Avenue, one of the problematic hot spots in the area.
The safety tips on the pamphlets included the following:
• Always keep your valuables, including laptops, cellphones and handbags out of sight – most of the targeted drivers had their valuables visible in their cars.
• Ensure that all your doors are locked and windows are properly closed.
• Never open your window or door for a stranger.
• Always be conscious of your surroundings, and look out for any suspicious-looking characters.
• Lock all your valuables in the boot or behind the seat if driving a bakkie. The challenge is that some women are still putting valuables on the passenger or back seats.
• If you encounter obstacles on the road, e.g. rocks, tyres etc., do not get out of your vehicle to remove them, rather reverse and drive in the opposite direction.
• Do not hesitate to report such incidents to the police by dialing 112 from any cellphone. Calls to this number are free of charge.
• When approaching traffic lights at night slow down so that you reach them as they turn green.
• Be wary of people standing at the traffic lights or intersections, some of them are just seeking an opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting drivers.
The smash-and-grab hot spots that were identified included the on- and off-ramps at the junction of 14th Avenue and the N1, the 14th Avenue on-ramp and the Hendrik Potgieter Road bridge, and the on- and off-ramps at the junction of Gordon Road and the N1.
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