For many motorists in Lagos, traffic is an unavoidable part of daily life. Long hours spent in slow-moving traffic, particularly during peak periods, can also create opportunities for criminals to target distracted or vulnerable drivers.

Car thieves and street criminals often rely on speed, distraction and surprise rather than elaborate methods. Understanding how these incidents can occur is one of the first steps towards reducing your risk.

Here are some common tactics drivers should be aware of and practical steps you can take to stay safer in traffic.

1. Window Breaking and Valuables Snatching

One common tactic involves criminals moving between vehicles, sometimes posing as roadside vendors or pedestrians.

They may observe vehicles in traffic and look for visible valuables such as mobile phones, laptops, handbags, wallets or other electronic devices. If an opportunity presents itself, a criminal may break a side window, grab the item and escape within seconds.

A phone held close to an open window can be particularly easy to snatch when traffic is stationary.

How to Stay Safe

• Keep your windows up when stuck in traffic, especially in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
• Lock your doors as soon as you enter slow-moving traffic.
• Do not leave phones, laptops, handbags or other valuables on visible seats.
• Keep valuable items in the boot or somewhere they cannot easily be seen from outside.
• Avoid holding or using your phone close to an open window while stationary.
• Be particularly alert when traffic is slow or completely stopped.

The less criminals can see, the fewer opportunities you give them.

2. The “One-Chance” Approach Using Your Own Car

The risk of opportunistic robbery does not only affect passengers using commercial vehicles. Private motorists can also be targeted.

One possible tactic involves deliberately creating a minor collision or making the driver believe there has been an accident. In slow-moving traffic, a driver may immediately leave the vehicle to inspect the damage or confront the other motorist.

That moment of distraction can create an opportunity for another person to enter the vehicle, steal valuables or, in more serious cases, attempt to take control of the car.

How to Stay Safe

If another vehicle bumps into you, particularly at night or in an isolated area:

• Do not rush out of your vehicle.
• Keep your doors locked and windows up while assessing the situation.
• Observe the occupants and surroundings before deciding what to do.
• If you feel unsafe, drive to a well-lit and populated location.
• Consider stopping at a filling station, police post or other secure public location.
• Call someone you trust and let them know what has happened.
• Keep enough space between your vehicle and the car ahead to allow you to manoeuvre if necessary.

A small amount of space can give you valuable room to move if a situation suddenly becomes unsafe.

3. The Distraction Team

Another tactic relies on getting the driver to leave the vehicle voluntarily.

A person may approach your car and claim that something is wrong with it:

“Oga, your tyre is flat.”

“Your boot is open.”

“Something is leaking underneath your car.”

In other situations, someone may deliberately create a distraction around the vehicle. While the driver is focused on checking the alleged problem, another person may attempt to access an unlocked door or take valuables from inside the vehicle.

How to Stay Safe

If someone suddenly alerts you to a problem with your vehicle while you are in traffic:

• Do not immediately assume the person is telling the truth.
• Keep your doors locked while you assess the situation.
• If possible, continue driving to a safer location before checking the vehicle.
• Do not leave your keys inside the vehicle when stepping out.
• Avoid leaving the engine running with the vehicle unattended.
• Be cautious if several strangers suddenly surround or approach your vehicle.
• If something genuinely appears wrong with your vehicle, seek assistance from a trusted mechanic, security personnel or a recognised service point.

Not every person who points out a problem with your vehicle has bad intentions—but you should never allow urgency to override your security awareness.

Stay Alert Without Becoming Paranoid

Security awareness is not about treating everyone around you as a criminal. It is about recognising that traffic can reduce your ability to move and can create opportunities for opportunistic criminals.

Your surroundings matter.

Pay attention to unusual behaviour around your vehicle. Notice people who repeatedly move between vehicles, individuals attempting to distract drivers, or anyone behaving unusually around your car.

Most importantly, avoid becoming so absorbed in your phone or other distractions that you lose awareness of what is happening around you.

The Golden Rule for Lagos Drivers

When driving through heavy traffic, especially in unfamiliar areas or at night, remember three simple habits:

Windows Up.
Doors Locked.
Valuables Hidden.

Add one more:

Stay Aware.

Good security starts before a criminal gets an opportunity.

At Sheriff Deputies, we believe effective security is built on awareness, preparedness and prevention. Whether you are driving to work, returning home or navigating Lagos traffic, a few simple precautions can make a significant difference.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

Sheriff Deputies — Protecting People, Property and Peace of Mind.