Gate motor thieves on the prowl
Residents are warned of an increase in the theft of electric gate motors and batteries over the past few weeks.
Residents are warned of an increase in the theft of electric gate motors and batteries over the past few weeks. Capt Eddie Hall, the police spokesperson said there is a thriving black market for gate motor parts.
“Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and its various components sold individually or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners,” he said.
The trend has been seen all over eMalahleni, but it is especially houses in Blancheville and Die Heuwel that has been targeted recently. Capt Hall shared some useful tips for safeguarding your gate motor against theft: Install the gate motor as far away from the fence as possible to prevent criminals from reaching in to tamper with it. Alternatively, weld a metal plate at the bottom of the fence or gate to effectively block access. Securely bolt your gate motor into the ground to prevent theft. An anti-lift bracket installed onto your gate will stop criminals from being able to easily raise the gate off its railing to gain entry to steal batteries. Be sure to fit the bracket as close to the gate as possible.
“If people see it is easy to remove a motor they will steal it, but if the motor is protected by a brace or bracket around it then chances of theft of that motor would be less,” said Capt Hall.
SEE THE VIDEO HERE
Mr Sakkie Coertzen from Blancheville Sector 20 neighbourhood watch said residents must make sure their gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket. Suspects often just place their hands through the gate if your gate motor is unsecured and installed right next to a palisade-type gate. “The thieves then can switch the gate to manual and access your property. Your electric gate should be one of the first lines of defence to protect you from crime. So safeguard your gate motors,” Coertzen said. READ MORE HERE
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/62655/negative-feelings-over-stolen-batteries
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/114161/nursery-school-repeated-target-night-crawlers/
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/57408/stealing-a-sense-of-security/
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/15793/motor-battery-theft/
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