Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing & communications at Fidelity ADT, says there is a thriving black market for gate motor parts.

“Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and their various components (batteries, gearboxes, etc.) sold individually, or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners”.

She says there is also a worrying trend of suspects deactivating the gate motor and accessing the property while on manual override.

Here are some useful tips for safeguarding against theft and home invasion:

* Ensure that your gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket that 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.

* Consider installing 180-degree beams that will monitor your gate.

* Make use of a good quality lock to secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage. Preferably, opt for an insurance-rated padlock.

* Install 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, which 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. Activate early-warning systems such as garden beams and/or electric fencing and ensure these are linked to an armed response.

We need to do our bit to reduce crime by making it harder for criminals. Safeguard your gate motors!” concludes Hattingh.