Six gate motors were stolen from one street in one night over the weekend.
A gate motor syndicate hit Linden, Malanshof, Blairgowrie and Fontainebleau. “My concern is that the houses are now left vulnerable,” said Linden Police Captain Alex Vermaak. The police suspect that the gate motors are being sold and used for spares. A brand new gate motor is said to cost between R2 700 and R3 000.
“We are urging residents to not buy second-hand gate motor but to buy from a reputable person,” said Captain Vermaak. Residents are also warned to use trusted installers instead of fly-by-night services. According to the information gathered, the police are suspecting that there is a syndicate operating from the West Rand.
Residents can ask their security companies to install an anti-theft device in their gate motor which will set off an alarm when the gate motor is removed.
“This is a serious concern,” said Captain Vermaak. He asks anyone with information to contact the Linden Police Station.
Honeydew Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said that they have not had such incidents recently. “But we did have incidents reported in January. The hotspot areas in the Honeydew Police precinct are Weltevreden Park, Randpark Ridge, and Little Falls,” said WO Jacobs.
She said that most of the reported incidents took place during the day when the owners of the property were at work. “It is of the utmost importance to report any theft, damage or loss at your local police station,” she said.
Honeydew Police also appealed to the homeowners to secure their gate motors with hardened steel reinforcements such as insurance-rated padlocks or fit theft-resistant cages to ensure they cannot be removed. Devices can also be fitted so that the gates can not be lifted up from the rail.
Related articles:
Housebreaking and theft suspects on the run
