Residents are being urged to report all thefts of gate motors and their batteries even if there was only an attempt. Photo: Supplied
Centurion residents have been urged to report the theft or attempts at stealing gate motors and security beams.
A local security firm registered as many as 20 cases in which such thefts were not reported to police.
“The theft of gate motors, their batteries, and security beams has become a real headache,” Monitor Net spokesperson JP le Roux told Centurion Rekord.
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Le Roux said security beams were being stolen especially between midnight and 4am.
Security beams are also being targeted by criminals in Centurion. Photo: Supplied
“This tends to happen in areas such as Doringkloof, Lyttelton, Hennopspark, and the Centurion CBD,” he said.
“Gate motors are stolen at all times of the day and night and across the entire Centurion area.”
The problem, Le Roux said, was the speed at which the devices were stolen.
“We have seen footage in which criminals took less than 12 seconds to steal the devices.”
For this reason, the security firm urged residents to become actively involved in preventing these crimes.
Le Roux suggested installing security brackets, which were placed over the devices making them more secure.
“It costs a little extra but can help to prevent the crime,” he said.
“We are actually encouraging our clients to install the extra option.”
Le Roux said cases, even attempts to steal the devices, needed to be reported to police.
Police would not be able to implement preventative strategies if crimes were not reported, according to Lyttelton police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller.
“That is why it is important to report all crimes including attempts,” Miller said.
“This includes reporting to security companies and the local CPF. Residents must report early warning signs as well.
“This includes dog poisonings or markings and even attempts to steal gate motors and beams where no damage has occurred.”
Miller said residents could contact their nearest police station.
“Alternatively, you can contact 10111 which is an emergency number, but can also be used to report these crimes and have a police vehicle dispatched to your area.
“Be sure to get a reference number, which can be used to keep track of your case.”
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