Newcastle SAPS warns of gate motor theft
SAPS has heightened patrols and is conducting random stop-and-searches to clamp down on criminals.
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Newcastle SAPS warns of gate motor theft –
Residents are being advised to take extra precautionary measures, following a series of gate motor thefts reported recently.
Police have received numerous reports of gate motor thefts, and this has become a big worry,” said Lizzy Arumugam of the Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications office.
Arumugam stated that in addition to heightened patrols, random stop-and-search operations were being conducted. The goal of these efforts is to catch offenders off-guard.
In the meantime, SAPS has issued safety precautions for residents to follow, to avoid becoming a victim of gate motor theft:
- Make sure your gate motor is enclosed in a steel casing or bracket, which is difficult to access from the outside
- This steel casing or bracket should be kept locked at all times
- Secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage with a high-quality lock – choose a padlock with an insurance rating
- Weld a piece of flat bar to the gate rack or install suitable anti-lift clamps, to prevent criminals from bending the rack upward
- Households should keep track of their gate motor’s serial number and purchase receipt, as this helps the SAPS trace down the owner of a stolen gate motor if and when it is recovered, or if any suspect is found with a gate motor under questionable circumstances
- Engrave your name or make a mark on your gate motor.
Arumugam urges residents to contact Newcastle SAPS on 034 314 6166, regarding gate motor thefts or possible suspects.
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