Theft of gate motors on the rise.
Linden police are investigating several cases of gate motor thefts in the policing precinct, according to the station’s spokesperson Constable Takalani Sibiya. The latest case was opened October 22 by a Ferndale resident.
Sibiya explained, “The complainant alleged when he went to bed everything was in order at his residential place in Ferndale but the following day around 06:00, as he was about to leave the house, the gate didn’t open. Upon inspection with his father they discovered that the gate motor and brackets were damaged but fortunately, nothing was stolen from the yard.”
The police suspect that someone was trying to steal the motor as they have been receiving reports of such crimes in recent weeks. The station has advised homeowners to take note of the trend.
The following tips could help reduace the chances of gate motor theft:
- Bolt the motor gate into the ground to prevent it from being stolen
- Keep the gate motor locked to prevent it from being stolen
- Place a cage over the motor and secure it to the ground
- Ensure that when the gate closes the edges fit together
- A device can be installed which will notify your security company if your gate has been opened by force.
