Smash and grab
A smash and grab is a particular form of
The greatest cost of smash and grab raids can often be in replacing the windows or walls, which can sometimes far exceed the cost of the goods that are stolen.[1]
Smash-and-grab thefts also occur with vehicles: a thief breaks a vehicle window and takes something from inside.[3]
Deterrence
There are several approaches to deterring smash and grab raiders. Shopkeepers can securely tether their goods, and make the tethering obvious to the onlooker. They can also avoid displaying goods of value in windows, an approach that has the disadvantage of reducing the attractiveness of the display to customers. Additionally, shopkeepers can strengthen window glass, to the extent that it can withstand, without breaking, being hit by the implements that smash and grab raiders are likely to use, such as hammers, bricks, and scaffolding poles.[1]
Smash and grab raids became common in the 1930s, and were particularly prevalent in the 1940s, but decreased in frequency as shopkeepers took to strengthening their windows and/or fitting protective grilles. By the 1950s, forced entry to shops was being effected by using cars and grappling irons to pull window bars off windows, a precursor to the 1980s phenomenon of ram-raiding.[4][5]
See also
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-7277-2040-5.
- ^ TEGNA. "Sixth ATM smash-and-grab this week reported in northeast Houston".
- ^ "Preventing "smash-and-grab" car theft". WWLP. 22 May 2023. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
- ISBN 978-1-903240-32-8.
- ISBN 978-0-8133-8730-7.