Gate motor theft a problem in Centurion
"Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and its various components (batteries, gearboxes, etc.) sold individually or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners."
The thriving black market was to blame for the current and ongoing gate motor theft problem in Centurion, says Fidelity ADT.
According to Leon Muller, Fidelity ADT’s district manager, gate motor theft has been an ongoing problem in the Menlo Park and Centurion areas. Fidelity ADT has reported an increase in the number of gate motors being stolen.
“Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and its various components (batteries, gearboxes, etc.) sold individually or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners by these ‘access automation bandits’ as they are often called.”
He further said there was also a worrying trend of suspects deactivating the gate motor and accessing the property while on a manual override.
Fidelity ADT has urged residents to be vigilant and to safeguard their gate motor against theft and to safeguard their property against a home invasion by:
– Ensuring your gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket, which is locked at all times. Suspects often just place their hands through the gate if your gate motor is unsecured and installed right next to a palisade-type gate. They are then able to switch the gate to manual and access your property.
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– Using a good quality lock to secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage. Preferably opt for an insurance-rated padlock.
– Installing adequate anti-lift brackets and welding a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack to prevent thieves from bending the rack upwards.
– Combining mechanical anti-theft systems, such as traditional theft-resistant cages, with electronic notification devices, for example, sound bombs and GSM units which are able to 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. We need to do our bit to reduce crime by making it harder for the criminals. Safeguard your gate motors,” said Muller.
Police could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.
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