Montclair gate-motor thefts surge – community alerted to rising crime wave

THEFT of gate motors in Montclair and surrounding areas has spurred the police to increase patrols in a bid to curb the crime.

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In the past two weeks, more than five homes had their gate motors damaged and batteries removed from the box. It’s alleged that the perpetrators strike during the night while the victims are fast asleep.

Victims have also reported the thefts of gate motors to the Montclair Crime Watch Eye Group, seeking assistance from authorities. It’s alleged that the perpetrators steal batteries and other electronics from the gate motors for the purpose of reselling them to the community.

The spokesperson for Montclair Police Station, Captain Cheryl Pillay, said that crime analysts at their policing precinct have identified that approximately four cases were reported at the police station relating to the theft of gate motors and also damage to gate motors.

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“Investigators at the station have intensified their investigations where police are searching for two habitual suspects who have been committing these crimes in both The Bluff and Montclair areas.

“Further analysis is being conducted in respect of property crimes, such as the theft of motor vehicles, which is occurring at residential premises as well as shopping malls with VW Polos and Toyota Etios being stolen,” said Pillay.

Police said that the thefts of vehicles are occurring during the day. The police advised residents to ensure that their vehicles are securely locked with the necessary devices to prevent theft.

“The environmental design of properties in the Montclair policing precinct reveals that most property owners live in gated complexes or park their vehicles on the pavement.

“This creates an opportunity for criminals who may be opportunists to commit crimes, such as property-related burglaries, theft from motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicles and other related thefts,” said Pillay.

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The precinct is predominantly made up of gated complexes and also businesses, therefore the strategy is to increase police crime-prevention operations with force multipliers, such as the Montclair Community Policing Forum, crime sector forums and security companies. This will create heightened visibility.

“One must understand that some criminals are opportunists, and they prey on residential areas that are unkempt, providing a haven for criminal activity.

“The station has adopted a crime-prevention theory known as the broken-windows theory where police and CPF identify areas where there are dilapidated buildings and residential areas that criminals invade.

“Through interaction with other government departments, such as KZN Community Safety and Liaison and Safer Cities, a collaborative approach has been undertaken to restore such places which will result in the displacement of criminals.”

Police have also intensified operations at second-hand dealerships (SHDs) and shops where stolen items may have been disposed of.

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“At meetings held at the police station, owners of SHDs are informed not to purchase stolen goods which may result in an arrest in terms of the Second Hand Goods Act. The community is also advised not to buy stolen goods from persons as you are also encouraging criminal and errant behaviour.

“The manager at Montclair Police Station, Rave Naidoo, together with the Montclair Community Police Forum, is appealing to the community to take ownership and responsibility for their properties by engaging in target-hardening devices at properties.”

She said the station has implemented the concept of the Community in Blue where residents can become voluntary community patrollers within patrol groups that account to the local CPF – ones that are regulated in a way where a community member can actively participate in the fight against crime without professional qualification or previous experience.

“The objectives of the Community in Blue concept are to: promote reporting of criminal activities and any suspicious behaviour in the communities; increase visibility to deter criminal activities, and engage in active community participation in crime-prevention initiatives. With active citizenry participation comes more visibility which will serve as a deterrent to criminal activity.

“It’s time to come together and join this fight against crime. The more boots on the ground, the safer the community will be.

“Montclair police remain committed to serving and protecting all residents. In partnership with the Montclair CPF and other stakeholders, we aim to develop common approaches and objectives to fight crime further and to recognise partnerships as a very effective way of tackling crime and related issues as a collective responsibility,” Pillay added.

Residents interested in joining crime-fighting structures in the community can call Montclair CPF chairman Rave Naidoo on 084 461 4732.

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