A spike in trio crimes a concern in Roodepoort

According to police in Roodepoort, the increase in the theft of gate motors, theft of, theft from and theft out of motor vehicles is a major concern and would like to warn the community to be vigilant.

Roodepoort Police Spokesperson, Captain Juanita-Anne Yorke said that high volumes of cases relating trio crimes within the Roodepoort policing area are still being reported by members of the community.

The police are urging the community of Roodepoort to be more vigilant, home and business owners should ensure that information, such as gate motors serial numbers are safeguarded.

“It is further encouraged to make an identifying mark, or by utilising data dot technologies on the interchangeable parts of their gate motors. This will assist the police with the identification of the gate motors when it is recovered.

“A sturdy security bracket should be installed on the motor housing and where possible the housing should be secured as far as possible in order to reduce the theft of gate motors as well as the theft of any parts of the motor. Keep it locked to prevent battery theft and criminals from resetting the motor or switching the gate onto manual.

Also read: Gate motor theft on the rise

“Place a cage over the motor and secure it to the ground or have anti-theft bracket installed. Sheeting can be added to a gate, which can help to prevent access to the tooth bar or motor. Importantly, sliding gates should be equipped with a bracket that will prevent the gate from being lifted off its hinges – this bracket should limit both upward and lateral movement.

“Make it difficult for thieves to get into your property. Install the gate motor in a theft-resistant cage and use a high-quality lock to secure it. Install the gate motor in a steel casing or anti-theft bracket, out of reach from the outside. Make sure that the motor is cemented into the ground and not just placed on the ground and dig a deep foundation to lay the cement on.

Also read: Gate motor theft skyrockets in Honeydew

“Build a small wall around it, the new modus operandi is one whereby the criminals dig underneath the gate motor and remove the whole gate motor and brackets so try and prevent this from happening,” said Yorke.

Tips to secure gate motors batteries:

Secure your gate motors with a padlock.
Bolt your gate motor into the ground to prevent criminals from stealing it.
Keep it locked to prevent battery theft and criminals from resetting the motor or switching the gate onto manual.
Place a cage over the motor and secure it to the ground or have anti-theft bracket installed.

Other preventative measures that can be installed for your home or business:

Fences/ walls, alarm systems and security, a high clear view fence around the premises with lockable gates is much safer.The primary aim of the fence is to make access difficult.
Make sure your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached or laying around.
Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended. An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.
Security lights on the outside of the premises improve the physical protection of any property.

Other preventative measures that can help secure your vehicle when parked:

Make sure that vehicles are properly locked.
Before leaving your vehicle, physically feel the doors to ensure that they are locked.
The suspects are using same modus operandi of jamming devices to open vehicles at the malls and shopping centres.
Do not leave your valuables in the car e.g., laptop, tablets, cell phone, handbag etc. where the suspects can peep through the window and see it.
Make sure that your vehicle is properly locked before you leave.
Leave everything in the boot of your car.