By Zaihan Mohd Yusof

BY now, you would be familiar with the early-morning snatch theft which happened on 3 Jul in Johor Baru.

A Singaporean woman and her friends were ambushed while leaving a motorcycle workshop.

The robbers had snatched Ms Suziyana's handbag and kicked the motorcycle she was on, causing her to fall and break her thigh bone.

Soon, news began to circulate in bike forums and workshops about the unfortunate incident, with riders vowing not to enter Johor.

But why take such a drastic step?

Because there some very simple tips that could make the difference between being a potential target and being safe.

Avoid quiet roads

The streets of Johor Baru tend to be quieter as you leave the city centre.

While most roads are lit, some have dark areas.

Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (Susur 4) is famous for late-night repairs with its open-all-night bike workshops, but heading home in the dead of night is not advisable.

There are many side roads ideal for those lying in wait.

Taking short cuts through dark alleys or poorly-lit roads should also be avoided because you just never know who may be lurking in the shadows.

Keep valuables hidden

It's common to see female pillion riders with handbags slung to one side while at the same time hanging on to the rider for support.

Riders also like to use waist pouches to keep their valuables.

If you have a box or stash space under your seat, use it.

Keep bags away from your sides and place them in the centre or between yourself and your pillion.

Practise putting your wallet in the front pocket instead of your rear one.

Remember, a snatch thief only has one pass to steal from you.

If your valuables are out of the way, it will only make it harder for him to target you.

Watch the watcher

If you're at a coffee shop waiting for your motorbike to be serviced, take note of those around you.

Are there others paying too much attention to you?

When you make a move to start your motorcycle, do you see them doing the same?

If so, hold on to your horses.

Tell the restaurant owner or a passing cop about your suspicions.

Your actions could discourage a would-be snatch thief.

Ride alert

As a rider you should be conscious of the vehicles around you.

Using your mirrors, you will be able to tell if you're being tailed, or if another vehicle is too close to you.

If you feel your space is being invaded, break away or let the person overtake.

But first you must be mindful of leaving a gap between yourself and the next rider - just in case an arm or a leg stretches out to greet you.

When riding in a convoy, look out for other riders in your group, who may need help in case of an emergency.

Making a run for it on your motorcycle could be an option, but do so carefully.

Head to crowded areas, or if possible ride straight to the police station.

Don't resist

In the event of you being robbed, don't resist, especially if the robbers are armed.

They can take away your money or even your motorcycle, but all that can be reclaimed again with hard work.

Should the robbers kick you while you're riding, ignore your valuables. Your immediate priority should be to regain control of your motorcycle.

Your safety and that of your pillion is paramount.

Try to stay calm and help the police remember a description of the robbers and the motorcycle they're on.

Still, no matter how careful you are, there is nothing that could guarantee you can't be robbed while on a motorcycle.

After all, it could happen here in Singapore too.

The best is to minimise your risks, and the rest is up to a little bit of luck.

This article was first published in The New Paper.