Springs police report increase in gate motor theft
The crime is spiking in several suburbs.
Theft of gate motors is on the rise in Springs and surrounding areas.
Several homes in Springs have been targeted by thieves, who casually walk up to the gate, reach in, take the gate motor and then walk away.
Springs SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala has urged residents to be more cautious.
Tshabalala suggests that homeowners place gate motors in theft-resistant cages and secure them using a high-quality lock.
He said thieves often put their hands through the fence and switch it to manual before opening the gate.
“The motor’s cover cannot be removed with the anti-theft cage in place, nor can the manual override be accessed,” said Tshabalala.
Victims only find out that their gates have been tampered with and the batteries stolen when they attempt to open them.
He added that areas such as Selcourt, Dersley Park and Selection Park are reported as the most vulnerable areas for gate motor theft.
“Several homes in these suburbs have been targeted by thieves.”
The police urge second-hand dealers and the community not to buy any stolen items from anyone and to report any suspicious sales to the police.
ALSO CHECK: Kidnappings: protect your children whatever their age
ALSO CHECK: Metro reopens Rietfontein Landfill
