Theft of gate motors is a risk in Brakpan, specifically in the Dalview area. This is according to Fidelity ADT, which reported an increase in the number of gate motors being stolen, with five incidents reported last week alone.
Keith Alberts, Fidelity ADT branch manager, said the problem is increasing in the area. He explained there is a thriving black market for gate motor parts.
“Stolen gate motors are stripped down and its various components (batteries, gearboxes, etc.) sold individually or sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners by these ‘access automation bandits’, as they are often referred to,” he said.
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Alberts warned there is also a worrying trend of culprits lifting the gates off the rails to gain entry, accessing the property and stealing the gate motors.
Fidelity ADT provided some tips for safeguarding your gate motor against theft and your property against a home invasion:
• Ensure the gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket that is locked at all times. Thieves often just place their hands through the gate if your gate motor is unsecured and installed right next to a palisade-type gate. They can then switch the gate to manual and access your property.
• Make use of a good quality lock to secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage. Preferably opt for an insurance-rated padlock.
• Beams on the gate for early detection.
• Instal adequate anti-lift brackets and weld a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack to prevent thieves from bending the rack upwards.
• Combine mechanical anti-theft systems, such as traditional theft-resistant cages, with electronic notification devices, for example, sound bombs and GSM units that can send notifications to users when the device’s inputs are triggered.
“Your electric gate should be one of the first perimeter deterrents to protect you from crime,” said Alberts.
“We need to do our bit to reduce crime by making it harder for the criminals. Safeguard your gate motors.”
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