Gate motor thefts on the upsurge

A spate of automatic gate motor thefts has left residents on the warpath.

Last Thursday, Suryaville resident, Cookie Pillay became the latest statistic; her R6 000 motor was stolen in the dead of night.

“I heard a noise and looked out of the window to check if my car was still there,” she explained. “The following morning we realised our gate motor had been stolen.”

Mrs Pillay immediately contacted police, and provided them with as much information as possible.

“The police are currently looking into the matter. We gave them the serial numbers, which will be used to help catch the people who did this.”

In an effort to secure her property, Mrs Pillay is in the process of having surveillance cameras at her home.

“I want the suspects to know they won’t get away with this!” she exclaimed.

The Newcastle Advertiser fell victim to a similar fate last month.

“It was a public holiday, and when I arrived at the office, I couldn’t open the gate with my remote,” said layout artist, Chantall van Biljon.

She exited her vehicle and pushed the gate open, only to find the motor had been stolen. The perpetrators left behind only a washer and a few bolts.

According to an unofficial source, a second gate motor was forcibly removed from a property on Paterson Street on the same day.

While many consider themselves lucky nothing more was taken, motors cost a pretty penny. The charges residents rake up for replacements range from R2 000 to R7 000.

Newcastle police issued a statement op September 16, expressing their concern regarding the spike in thefts.

In lieu of the increase, they issued the following tips to help residents prevent further incidents:

– Make sure you know who the motor was installed by.

– Keep any and all documentation pertaining to the purchase of the motor.

– Mark your motor. For example, engrave your name on it.

– Do not leave the property before ensuring the gate is closed behind you.

Residents are advised to keep their gates closed at all times. Furthermore, the community is encouraged to report any and all criminal activity.

“Open gates are an easy target,” concluded SAPS spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela.

If you have been the victim of a similar incident, email the details of your story to ncschools@caxton.co.za.

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