These Car Accessories Deter Smash-and-Grab Crime in South AfricaJune 25, 2025

When it comes to car safety in South Africa, smash-and-grab crime is unfortunately not just a possibility; it’s a reality. With over 11,000 cases of smash-and-grab incidents reported annually, savvy motorists have started to take matters into their own hands. That’s where carefully selected, ROI-driven accessories come in, helping you defend your car without breaking the bank.

If you’re a DIYer who knows your way around a ratchet set and loves a proper upgrade, this guide is for you. 

Let’s look at the most effective accessories that add serious protection, boost peace of mind, and prove that practical can also be powerful.

Tinted Safety Film – First Line of Defence

Not all tint is created equal. At Protect a Car, we don’t deal in cosmetic fluff. Our safety tint films are engineered for function, reducing visibility into your vehicle (a major deterrent) while reinforcing the glass structure.

If a would-be thief smashes your window, the film keeps the shards together, buying you critical time and reducing the chance of theft or injury. It’s an easy, selective upgrade with maximum impact.

Darker is not always better. Opt for authentic, SABS-compliant tint that balances visibility with safety.

Anti-Smash Mesh – Industrial Strength Barrier

This one’s a pioneer in the field. Anti-smash mesh (or security mesh) is an advanced material applied to side windows, adding a visible deterrent and physical barrier to intrusion. Unlike film alone, this mesh makes it incredibly difficult to breach the window, even with force.

Think of it like a burglar bar for your car. Perfect for urban commutes, especially around smash-and-grab hotspots like Johannesburg’s N1 and Cape Town’s N2 corridors.

Mesh doesn’t just stop crooks, but it tells them you’re not an easy target.

Canopies Nelspruit

Security Wheel Bolts – Because Rims Are a Target Too

Those custom mags? Yeah, they’re on every thief’s wishlist. Investing in security bolts for your rims is one of the smartest, most ROI-driven decisions you can make. These bolts can only be removed with a special key, and since thieves hate time delays, they’re likely to move on to easier pickings.

It’s the selective difference between looking like you’ve prepped your ride for war, or not.

Steering Wheel Locks – The Visible Deterrent

There’s no accessory quite as old-school and trusted as a solid steering lock. Thieves work in seconds, not minutes. The sight of a high-quality, reinforced bar across your wheel tells them: “Try someone else.”

Yes, it’s manual. But for a hands-on motorist, that’s not a bug, it’s a feature. Combine this with tint and mesh, and you’ve built a layered defence any intruder would think twice about.

Make Your Car a Hard Target

At Protect a Car, we’ve seen it all,  from luxury sedans to rugged 4x4s, and everything in between. Since 2003, we’ve fitted over 120,000+ safety and security films and helped South Africans reclaim confidence on the road.

Don’t wait until after something happens to act. The right accessories aren’t just upgrades, they’re your silent security guards.

Tap into exclusive, expert-approved solutions tailored for South African roads. Whether you’re DIYing your fitment or want it done right the first time, let Protect a Car be your fitment centre of choice.