Hayward police say smash and grab thieves target women in vehicles after shopping

Over the last several months, there have been a rise in robberies throughout the city and surrounding areas. The suspect(s) usually wait for someone to get into their car after shopping or banking. The subjects then smash the victim’s window and steal personal property from inside the car before fleeing the area.

We want to create awareness and provide education to our community. Here are some safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Avoid sitting in your vehicle for a prolonged period after finishing your shopping or banking.
• Place your personal belongings in an area not easily accessible.
• Avoid doing your shopping or banking alone.
• Report any suspicious activity to the police.

If you have any information regarding these types of incidents, please contact the Hayward Police Department at (510)293-7176.

The attached video shows a recent news story about these events.