Neighbourhoods hit by wave of gate-motor thefts
The warning comes after a security company said they were aware of between 10 and 12 cases in a space of two weeks.
HIGHWAY residents have been advised to be vigilant and to ensure that gate motors are secured by means of the necessary anti-theft devices following an increase in thefts related to gate motors or batteries.
Charnel Hattingh, group head of communications and marketing at Fidelity ADT, said this theft appears to be a new crime trend developing in parts of the province.
Hattingh said this crime has been rife in New Germany, the Pinetown business district, as well as Ashley, Caversham and Pietermaritzburg.
“We ask residents to be alert to any suspicious behaviour in their suburbs and to alert authorities immediately if they see anything that appears to be out of place. This includes anyone that appears to be loitering in the suburb.”
Hattingh said they were aware of between 10 and 12 cases in a space of two weeks.
“Some of these were during the evening while people were sleeping, and then when they awoke in the morning, they noticed the battery had been stolen. Other incidents were reported in the afternoons. It appears that the suspects are operating on foot and that they never gain access to the property itself.”
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Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Personal Officer Jennifer Naidu, said statistics have revealed that there has been an increase in thefts related to gate motors/batteries.
According to Naidu, the areas showing a high prevalence of these incidents were identified to be Kloof and Everton, although surrounding areas have also indicated crimes of this pattern.
“Arrests have been made in relation to the incidents, however, it is advised that the necessary caution should be exercised in preventing the further occurrence of such incidents. However, householders in these communities are advised to ensure that gate motors are secured by means of the necessary anti-theft devices.
New Germany CPF chairman Lynn Robson said theft is high in the area.
“Unfortunately, cases are not opened, hence when the suspect is caught, the cases never get to court.”
She urged homeowners to install gate-motor brackets, as a deterrent, along with anti-lift brackets on their gates.
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