Group head of marketing & communications at Fidelity ADT, Charnel Hattingh warns locals that criminals are back at it and are forcing entry using swing gates to gain entry to rob houses.

Suspects use two tactics: ramming the gate with the front of their car or reaching underneath to cut the padlock securing the gate’s hydraulic arms.

To help residents strengthen their security, Hatting recommends installing aluminium sheets at the bottom of the gate to prevent criminals from reaching through to access the locking mechanism.

Swing gate hydraulic arms have been flagged as a major weak point, they need to be reinforced with at least two magnetic mechanical locks to reduce the risk of forced entry.

Installing tamper alarm system such as Fidelity Secure gate which signals to the control room to send a vehicle if there are any attempts to tamper with the gate.

Residents are advised to ensure that there are no gaps where prying tools can be inserted and to keep pedestrian gates padlocked at all times, padlocks are to be installed on the inside because chains are easily cut.

“Your gate is one of the most critical perimeter defences for your home. By addressing these vulnerabilities, we can make it harder for criminals to succeed. Safeguard your gates and reduce your risk,” says Hattingh.

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