Residents in Sandton and the surrounding areas were urged to remain vigilant at home.
According to private security firm Fidelity ADT, 12 incidents of driveway gates being forced open were reported in August alone in Bryanston, Sandton, Morningside, Hurlingham and surrounding areas.
Fidelity ADT community operations manager Matthew Baynes noted that the intruders appeared to be targeting residents with swing gates with the intention to burgle their homes.
“The suspects either ram the gate open with the front of their vehicle to gain access or they put their arms underneath the connecting arms and cut the padlock to gain access.
“These [hydraulic arms] need to be reinforced with at least two magnetic locks or mechanical locks,” he added.
Baynes encouraged residents to consider the following safety measures to protect their property against home invasions:
- Install an aluminium sheet at the bottom of the gate so that the intruder’s arms cannot fit through
- Buy either a mag lock or striker lock, both of which are harder to break
- Ensure that there are no gaps in which a prying tool can be inserted. If you are not sure, contact your local security company to assist you with a gate audit
- Pedestrian gates must be padlocked at all times. Install and use a padlock on the inside, chains are easy to cut, rather install a bracket through which a padlock is inserted on the inside
“Your gate should be one of the first perimeter deterrents to protect you from crime. We need to do our bit to reduce crime by making it harder for the criminals – safeguard your gates.”
Details: Sandton Police Station 011 722 4200.
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