smash-and-grab raid

smash-and-grab raid

A thief smashes a store window during a smash-and-grab raid.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A type of theft: A "smash-and-grab raid" is a robbery in which a thief or group of thieves quickly breaks a shop window (the "smash" part) and seizes valuable goods (the "grab" part), then flees immediately. This crime is characterized by its speed and violence, often targeting jewelry stores, electronics shops, or other retail outlets with easily accessible, high-value items.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The police arrested the suspects after a smash-and-grab raid on a downtown jewelry store. (A quick robbery involving breaking a window and stealing goods.)
    • Security cameras captured the entire smash-and-grab raid, showing the thieves using a hammer to smash the glass. (A recorded incident of a fast, violent theft.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to carry out a smash-and-grab raid": to perform this type of robbery.

    • The gang carried out a series of smash-and-grab raids across the city, targeting luxury watch shops. (They committed multiple quick thefts by breaking windows.)

  • "smash-and-grab raid tactics": the methods used in such a crime.

    • The thieves used smash-and-grab raid tactics, arriving in a stolen car and leaving within two minutes. (The specific approach of breaking and grabbing quickly.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Smash-and-grab (adj): describing the nature of the raid itself.

    • The smash-and-grab thieves were caught after a high-speed chase. (Thieves who committed a quick, violent theft.)

  • Smash-and-grabber (n): a person who commits such a raid.

    • The smash-and-grabbers targeted stores with weak security. (Individuals who perform quick robberies by breaking windows.)
Synonyms
  • Quick-hit robbery: a theft executed rapidly.
  • Window-smash theft: a specific term for breaking a window to steal.
Related Idioms

  • Smash and grab: a shortened form of "smash-and-grab raid," often used as an idiom for any fast, opportunistic theft.

    • The thief did a smash and grab at the corner shop, taking the cash register. (He performed a quick robbery by breaking and taking.)

  • Hit and run theft: a similar concept where the theft is fast and the thief flees immediately.

    • The hit and run theft at the electronics store was over in seconds. (A quick robbery followed by immediate escape.)