A surge in gate motor theft in Rietfontein has caused outrage among the victims of the crime, calling on the Muldersdrift Police to conduct frequent patrols.
The community seems to be hit hard during load-shedding with the Marina Drive, Boland and Sonnendal Streets areas prone to the attack.
According to the SN Security Group, three gate motors were either stolen, damaged or their batteries stolen in Sector 1 in the evening of 11 February during load-shedding.
“Residents are calling on the police to do patrols, which currently are being left to the private security companies. Gate-motor theft is very big in our district and often people just do not report it, particularly in the times of Covid,” said Gwen Britz, a community activist in the area.
She added that reporting does not have positive results and generally arrests only happen by fluke. “Theft is particularly high during load-shedding. Gates are far from homes, so folks will only discover this loss in the morning,” she explained.
The local police station has been approached for comment.
