Are you aware of the Smash and Grab incidents over the holiday season?

smash and grab

Christmas is all about spreading love, giving, and joyful moments with your loved ones. However, not everyone can feel and appreciate the holiday cheer. Some may even take advantage of it. Police reports across the UK state that not all the things that happen during the holiday season is bright and happy. Although most people may embrace the Christmas cheer and spirit, some may take advantage of the busy streets and shopping people, assuming that they bring more money with them than usual.

Like they say, desperate times call for desperate measures. A few may try to rob other people just so they can provide for this family this season. But, Smash and Grab accidents don’t just happen during the holidays, in fact crimes don’t really have a specific season.

The name Smash-Grab came from the actions criminals do to one’s vehicle: They break a window (Smash) and take all the valuables they can as quick as they can (Grab). Previous incidents reveal that Smash and Grab crime rates peak during the holiday season—from Christmas to New Year’s.

Online news agency The Guardian has listed Smash and Grab or car theft as one of the 12 crimes of Christmas. Although it sounds like a carol, it can be one of the nightmares of car owners and their passengers. In fact, one gang in London reportedly took over £500,000 worth of property and money in a single Smash and Grab incident. Moreover, the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology has published a research that further proves how the festivities influence a higher crime rate than usual.

Some perpetrators could also be just impulsive vandals. Though it may not cause as much damage and loss, it can still be a source of stress for drivers, especially if it happens during a time when everybody is supposed to be enjoying.

So how can car owners protect their car and belongings, especially during the Christmas rush? Aside from being vigilant constantly, it is best to be incognito, blend with the others and never be a target on sight. Contrary to majority of car owners’ belief, car alarms are not really a great precautionary measure and isn’t going to do much to prevent a Smash and Grab burglary. By the time you or the authorities are notified, the perpetrators have already taken as much as they can go away with.

car window

How car window tinting helps?

Car window tinting does a great job in making your vehicle just like everybody else’s, keep your car low key. The privacy it provides the people inside it is the same with the protection it will give your belongings inside it.

The dark tint will keep thieves from seeing your belongings inside the car. If they are uncertain if there is money or a thing of high value in there, they won’t risk being caught by smashing and grabbing yours.

And, if unfortunately, some criminals try and steal your things inside your vehicle and smash your windows, high quality tint films hold shattered glass intact. Your car windows may be broken but it will not still give the perpetrators access inside.

Aside from Smash and Grab protection this Christmas season, tinting your windows during the winter is still a great investment. People generally assume that the sun’s rays won’t harm their skin, especially if the heat doesn’t bother them. But, even if it is snowing and the temperature is lower than usual, the sun rays still has UV rays which is harmful for your skin and health.

At the same time, car tints prevent glare from the white snow on the ground that can distract the driver and cause road accidents. Window tints also help lessen the glare from other cars’ tail lights and back lights.

Window tints also acts like heat insulators during the winter season, which keeps the interior of the car warm, without using too much fuel.

 

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