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Occasional in South Africa

Scam in South AfricaTheft

Smash-and-grab theft from cars in South Africa

Traffic lights, stop signs and other places where cars slow or stop

How it works

A thief breaks a vehicle window and grabs belongings while the car is stopped or moving slowly.

Warning signs

  • Someone approaches your car as you stop.
  • A bag, phone or other valuable is visible inside.
  • You are waiting at a traffic light or stop sign at night.

How to avoid it

  1. Keep doors locked.
  2. Keep windows up when slowing down or stopping.
  3. Put valuables out of sight before driving.
  4. Watch people approaching the vehicle.

If it happens to you

Avoid a confrontation. Move to a safe place when you can, check for injuries and contact police and your rental company or insurer.

  1. Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
  2. Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
  3. Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
  4. Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
  5. Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
  6. Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
Where it happensTraffic lights, stop signs and other places where cars slow or stopPretoria, Cape Town

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in South AfricaCarjacking: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the smash-and-grab theft from cars scam in South Africa?

A thief breaks a vehicle window and grabs belongings while the car is stopped or moving slowly.

How can I spot it early?

Someone approaches your car as you stop. A bag, phone or other valuable is visible inside. You are waiting at a traffic light or stop sign at night.

How do I avoid smash-and-grab theft from cars in South Africa?

Keep doors locked. Keep windows up when slowing down or stopping. Put valuables out of sight before driving. Watch people approaching the vehicle.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Avoid a confrontation. Move to a safe place when you can, check for injuries and contact police and your rental company or insurer.

Where in South Africa does this happen?

Traffic lights, stop signs and other places where cars slow or stop It has been reported in Pretoria, Cape Town.

How common is this scam in South Africa?

Occasional. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.

Are there similar scams in South Africa?

Yes: airport baggage theft, pickpocketing, street robbery and robbery on walking trails.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.

What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?

Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.

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