Smash and grab
Encyclopedia
A smash and grab raid or smash and grab attack (or simply a smash and grab) is a particular form of burglary
. The distinctive characteristic of a smash and grab, that distinguishes it from other forms of burglary, is its elements of speed and surprise. A smash and grab involves smashing a barrier, usually a display window
in a shop or a showcase, grabbing valuables, and then making a quick getaway, without concern for setting off alarms or creating noise. A failed smash and grab raid is indistinguishable from simple vandalism
, or malicious damage.
Smash and grab raids can occur in many scenarios, both in broad daylight and at night, and the perpetrators can range from experienced thieves to impulsive vandals. Typically, display windows and showcases that are in enclosed areas, such as shopping mall
s and office buildings, are at less of a risk of smash and grab raids than those that on open streets — particularly where the streets are poorly lit, or unobserved (such as premises in pedestrian subways or unstaffed transport facilities).
The greatest cost of smash and grab raids can often be in replacing the windows, which can sometimes far exceed the cost of the goods that are stolen.
s, brick
s, and scaffolding
poles. Shop owners can also install pipe bollards at the store front when cars are used.
Smash and grab raids became common in the 1930s, and were particularly prevalent in the 1940s, but reduced in frequency as shopkeepers took to strengthening their windows, or to fitting protective grille
s. By the 1950s, forced entry to shops was being effected by using car
s and grappling irons to pull window bars off windows, a precursor to the 1980s phenomenon of ram-raiding
.
Burglary
Burglary is a crime, the essence of which is illicit entry into a building for the purposes of committing an offense. Usually that offense will be theft, but most jurisdictions specify others which fall within the ambit of burglary...
. The distinctive characteristic of a smash and grab, that distinguishes it from other forms of burglary, is its elements of speed and surprise. A smash and grab involves smashing a barrier, usually a display window
Display window
A display window is a window in a shop displaying items for sale or otherwise designed to attract customers to the store. Usually, the term refers to larger windows in the front façade of the shop...
in a shop or a showcase, grabbing valuables, and then making a quick getaway, without concern for setting off alarms or creating noise. A failed smash and grab raid is indistinguishable from simple vandalism
Vandalism
Vandalism is the behaviour attributed originally to the Vandals, by the Romans, in respect of culture: ruthless destruction or spoiling of anything beautiful or venerable...
, or malicious damage.
Smash and grab raids can occur in many scenarios, both in broad daylight and at night, and the perpetrators can range from experienced thieves to impulsive vandals. Typically, display windows and showcases that are in enclosed areas, such as shopping mall
Shopping mall
A shopping mall, shopping centre, shopping arcade, shopping precinct or simply mall is one or more buildings forming a complex of shops representing merchandisers, with interconnecting walkways enabling visitors to easily walk from unit to unit, along with a parking area — a modern, indoor version...
s and office buildings, are at less of a risk of smash and grab raids than those that on open streets — particularly where the streets are poorly lit, or unobserved (such as premises in pedestrian subways or unstaffed transport facilities).
The greatest cost of smash and grab raids can often be in replacing the windows, which can sometimes far exceed the cost of the goods that are stolen.
Deterrence
There are several approaches to deterring smash and grab raiders. Shopkeepers can securely tether the goods, and make the tethering obvious to the onlooker. Shopkeepers can avoid displaying goods of value in display windows (an approach which has the disadvantage of reducing the attractiveness of the display to customers). Additionally, shopkeepers can strengthen the glass, to the extent that it can withstand, without breaking, being hit by the portable tools that smash and grab raiders are likely to use, such as hammerHammer
A hammer is a tool meant to deliver an impact to an object. The most common uses are for driving nails, fitting parts, forging metal and breaking up objects. Hammers are often designed for a specific purpose, and vary widely in their shape and structure. The usual features are a handle and a head,...
s, brick
Brick
A brick is a block of ceramic material used in masonry construction, usually laid using various kinds of mortar. It has been regarded as one of the longest lasting and strongest building materials used throughout history.-History:...
s, and scaffolding
Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support people and material in the construction or repair of buildings and other large structures. It is usually a modular system of metal pipes or tubes, although it can be from other materials...
poles. Shop owners can also install pipe bollards at the store front when cars are used.
Smash and grab raids became common in the 1930s, and were particularly prevalent in the 1940s, but reduced in frequency as shopkeepers took to strengthening their windows, or to fitting protective grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
s. By the 1950s, forced entry to shops was being effected by using car
Čar
Čar is a village in the municipality of Bujanovac, Serbia. According to the 2002 census, the town has a population of 296 people.-References:...
s and grappling irons to pull window bars off windows, a precursor to the 1980s phenomenon of ram-raiding
Ram-raiding
Ram-raiding is a variation on burglary in which a van, SUV, car, or other heavy vehicle is driven through the windows or doors of a closed shop, usually a department store or jewellers shop, to allow the perpetrators to loot it....
.